Semi-Bluffing

Semi-bluffing is one of the first steps that new poker players take after realizing they need to stop being calling machines and employ some creativity in there game.  properly working these opportunities could be the difference between a good session and a great session.  not every table is right for profitable semi-bluffing, but when you find one that is, it can pay at a much higher rate than the expected one or two big bets per hour.

The concept of the semi-bluff is simple.  Instead of calling a bet and hoping for a card to come because you have outs, you bluff at the pot instead.  It’s called semi-bluff because you still have outs to win the hand, but currently have nothing or very little.

This play has three advantages.  By betting, you often pick up a pot because no one else has hit the flop.  Secondly, you often control the size of the bet by betting out because players (especially the one currently in the lead) will be fearful of the bet and will usually just call, allowing you a cheaper draw than the current leader may have bet.  And finally, you mask what your hand is by betting on a draw.  If that draw hits, you’re in position for a big payoff from an opponent who has been letting you bet into their lead because it will be difficult for that player to put you on your hand.

Semi-bluffing would include betting out flush and straight draws, as well as betting second pair and even two over cards, if there were no previous bets.  This aggressive method is only profitable if the players at the table react the way you want them to.

It’s required that you know your opponents and that you create the illusion that you are a tight player.  You do this by only showing good cards at showdown.  If you can establish yourself as a tight player, tight opponents will fold to your bet.

Once you start to bet your draws and small pairs, your opponents will stay away and you will pick up lots of small pots.  This can go on as long as your opponents allow it.

Remember, never show any of these rag hands you’re winning with, just because you’re getting everyone to fold.  You will still continue to get good starting hands that will pay you at showdown, make sure these are the hands everyone gets to see.  It’s important to maintain the illusion of a tight player to maximize your semi-bluffing opportunities.

The best semi-bluff situations are when the flop has come off in a manner that would not help a hand of big cards.  Most players that see a flop are playing big cards.  Let’s say you decided to play 8, 9 and a flop like 7, 2, 4 comes off.  This is often a good situation to bet because your opponents are likely to be on two over cards.  Depending on the size of your bet, you can force the other players off the pot, or if you do get called, you could hit your straight for a big payoff.

The semi-bluff is the grinder’s meat and potatoes.  It’s a tactic used by most players of quality to some degree.  Employ it in your game and you’ll see how it can pay off in a big way.

Make your bets big enough to fold to with over cards, and small enough not to break you if you do run into a monster and have to fold to a raise.  Don’t be afraid to force the action when you can.