#semi-bluff

Just as in the situation with the usual bluff, the semi-bluff requires a proper preparation. Of course, you need to make your opponent believe you. In this situation you should bet exactly the same way as if you have a high pocket hand.

Let’s assume that you call after the Big blinder raised with Ace of spades and 10 of spades. The flop reveals Queen of spades, Jack of diamonds and 2 of spades. In situation like this, a player who can be easily read, will raise immediately. On the other hand, with a strong hand he will check hoping for check – raise. If an observant opponent notices this trend, he actually will not make any mistakes and that’s not the point, is it?

Read more…

Situation 1. Let’s see in which situations you can use bluffing and in which situations you should not when you hold not only a draw but there is a possibility that you have much better hand than the others. For example: your hand is Ace of spades and 9 of spades, you raised from the late position and the Big Blinder called. The flop has revealed the following cards: Queen of spades, 10 of clubs and 5 of spades – you bet and your opponent calls. Now you have nuts flush draw plus an over card and plus the chance that your opponent won’t beat your Ace (analogical is the example with flush or straight draw with a lower pair). On the turn 6 of hearts your opponent again checks. How you should play in this situation?

Against a loose – aggressive player

If your opponent is a loose – aggressive player, you should better check. You may be in better position and you may have 12 outs but there is really no point to bet in this situation. A loose player most probably won’t fold a strong hand and if he has absolutely nothing he is going to fold. On the other hand, like the aggressive player, he can also raise which will cost you a bet. But after your check he can bluff and bet on the river. In this case, if you already managed to improve your hand, you can win on the river.

Against a loose – passive player

If your opponent is a loose – passive player, you should be willing to bet on the turn. The logic here is similar, as in the previous case. Besides, you should not be afraid that he’ll check – raise (the player is passive) and also most probably he won’t use a bluff and place a bet on the river. In other words, the benefit that gave you the check in the previous case here disappears

Against a tight – passive player

If your opponent is a tight passive player, the best decision for you also is to check. Do not forget that this is a tight player and he most probably won’t call on the flop if he has not a strong hand. This is especially true in situations where the flop consists of higher cards, in this case, your opponent can not have two over cards, so the probability for him to call with a draw is not too high.

Read more…