Bluffing in Online Poker… Is It Worth It?
When players first start playing online poker they think that bluffing is one of the most important parts of the game. This couldn’t be more wrong. Though it is important when done at the right time, over-bluffing can cause you to lose a lot of money. Here are some tips on when and how to use bluffing effectively:
Position – Bluffing from early position is very dangerous. You have players that still have to go after you, and you haven’t seen any indication as to whether they have made a hand. If you are going to bluff, wait for a hand that gets checked around to you in later position. Throw in a small bet and see if you can take down a decent pot.
Stakes – Bluffing in low stakes is pretty useless. If you are gonna bluff, do it in a game where it makes it a harder decision for players to call. Players will be more likely to call if its only for a few dollars.
Tight or Loose Table – If the table is very loose, chances are your bluff will get called on a loose table. Tighter tables will be less likely to make calls and are easier to bluff at.
Outs – If you are gonna bluff early in a hand it is good if you have some outs. This is known as a semi-bluff as even if you get called you still have a chance to improve on the turn or the river.
Table Image – If you are known at the table as a player that makes crazy bets, or bluffs a lot, then STOP. Build an image as a tight-passive player and there will be better chances that the other players will respect your bets.
Bluffing shoud only be used once you can consistently win at a table without it. Once you have perfected this, pick your spots, know your opponents and try to take a stab at big pots with a bluff.
Good luck!
