When you think about poker, what’s one of the first things that come to mind? All-ins? Not really. Raising and folding? Eh. Vodka on the rocks? Getting warmer. I’m talking about bluffing. How to spot it, how to master it. Bluffing and poker go hand-in-hand like …uh…vodka and rocks.
You work on bluffing when you get serious about playing poker. Or even in a regular home game, you want to perfect the skill. Nothing’s cooler than showing up that idiot you work with (that’s a whole different article, though) by making him look like a fool with your pair of threes.
Talking strategy – or approaches – where does one begin? Let’s talk about online play first. In my experience, a fast bet online is usually seen as a bluff. The speed raises red flags since time is one of the only things other players have to use when figuring out what you’re doing behind your computer screen. Especially if you’ve been deliberate with your bets up to that point. Throwing out a major bet (10x, 20x the blind) within 2 seconds, or on the other end of the spectrum – a good 30-45 seconds, will expose you.
Of course, players will vary their betting times on purpose for this very reason – which is why it must be said that nothing in any kind of poker is absolute. Generally speaking, though, faster means you’re bluffing.
Another strategy in either the online game or a regular casino is playing like a rock. Take the same time, make the same moves, no matter what your hand or intentions are. An exception to this would be if you’re faced with an all-in bet, of course. You don’t want to make the wrong move just because you’re trying to make it look like you’re not bluffing. This is an effective strategy but one that’s difficult to stay consistent with. Also, while it might work to prevent someone from seeing what you’re doing, it won’t necessarily convince them that you’re doing something else. Just something to keep in mind.
I like bluffing, and I think it’s necessary to keep the other players honest – much like a passing team has to run the ball from time to time, or they’ll always double the pass. But bluffing can backfire and cost you dearly if you don’t have a good strategy for masking your intentions – and a good poker face doesn’t hurt, either. Just ask Lady Gaga.