The Semi-Bluff
What is a Semi-Bluff?
A Semi-Bluff is a bluff. The main purpose of this play is to force your opponents to fold and take the pot uncontested. The difference between a Semi-Bluff and a regular bluff is simply that with a Semi-Bluff, you still have a chance to improve your hand if your opponent(s) call. This means that a semi-bluff is a raise or a bet made with the intention of stealing the pot, before the final cards have been dealt.
A Classic Semi-Bluff Example
This example of a Semi-Bluffing situation occurs regularly in Texas Holdem. Many times, nobody bets on the flop, and the free turn card gives you an open-ended straight draw or a flush draw. Because nobody bet the flop your opponents are most likely holding weak hands (but they might be slowplaying, more on this later). One of your opponents will probably bet out on the turn with a weaker hand than normal, sensing the weakness around the table. At this point, you can raise, and put your semi-bluff into action. Ideally, you want your opponents to fold right there, but if they do call the turn, you still have a chance to make your draw and win the pot on the river. Oh! and if you do make your draw on the river nobody will know what you have.
How to decide whether or not to Semi-Bluff
When deciding whether or not to Semi-Bluff you must take into consideration the size of the pot, the specific game you are playing and the specific opponents you are playing against.
Your Opponents:
In the example above, you wouldnt want to raise if the player betting the turn is known for slowplaying strong hands on the flop. If this player does hold a strong hand, they will re-raise costing you three bets instead of just one, and you will be forced to call since you have a legitimate drawing hand. Youre better off raising against players youve seen try to steal pots and then fold when their opponents raise them.
The Game:
The specific game you are playing is another important factor. If you were playing a 1$-2$ game online, I wouldnt bother Semi-Bluffing ever, or Bluffing for that matter. The limits are just too low that youre most likely to get called every single time. Save the bluffing for the higher limits.
The Size of the Pot:
The size of the pot will affect the success of your bluffs. Basic poker theory states that the larger the pot, the more likely your opponents will call. This works in two ways. Because of Pot Odds people will call with terrible draws such as gutshot straights, or with an underpair looking for a set, if the pot is large enough. Also, on the river, you are less likely to steal large pots. It is very weak to play to the river in a large pot, and then fold to one bet with any kind of hand. In order to win the pot on the river you will need at least a high pair. Like I said before, people will call with anything for a large pot.
This means it is best to try and steal smaller or moderate sized pots. There are usually less players involved in these pots, so you will have less opponents to bluff out, and they will be less inclined to call you for a tiny pot.
Conclusion
Semi-Bluffs are very effective techniques, especially in Texas Holdem. Do not overuse the Semi-Bluff. Your opponents will catch on and react accordingly
_________________________
Recommended Sites __________________________________________________
(Non USA Players)
1) PartyPoker.com - Use Bonus Code " MYBONUS " on Registration.
2) BetfairPoker.com - Use Bonus Code " BF600 " on registration.
__________________________________________________
(Players Based in USA)-
1) FullTiltPoker.com - Bonus code specially integrated into THIS LINK for easy use. Maximum current available bonus guaranteed.
2) Pokerstars.com - Marketing Code also specially integrated into THIS LINK so their is no need to search for a possibly outdated bonus offer
__________________________________________________
If you are interested in browsing a variety of sites, the check out this site detailing poker bonus codes of all the main poker sites online.
__________________________________________________
