Bluffing is an art in poker. Although bluffing is not seen as often or used as often as one would think, or even would like to see. A lot of time watching on TV, its cool to watch someone bluff and take a pot, but be for warned, any bluff that gets called cost you some good money. So beware of what bluffing is, know when and who to use it on, before you start to perform your art of bluffing.
To bluff or not:
1. Type of opponent
2. Number of opponents
3. Your table image
4. Your “reading” skills
5. The board (if any)
6. The size of the pot
7. Your position
Type of opponent:
This is where most people have the most problems when trying to bluff. Really they have no clue who there opponents are, so they try anyways. If your vs someone who plays very loose, or likes to go to the river, your bluff will not faze them. Its best to bluff people that are tight, or that do not like to go to a showdown.
Number of opponents:
In general, do not bluff a field of three or more players. A bluff is much more likely to succeed against one opponent, not only because it is just one player but also because the pot is usually smaller, which makes it less desirable.
Your table image:
In further lessons, your table image is described more, how to get it, and what to do with it. If people think you play loose, or tight, or simply aggressive, will make a difference in if the call your bluff or not. Being caught on a bluff a few hands before, will drastically change your image.
Your “reading” skills:
If you can read into what the other player(s) are holding in there hand, makes it a lot easier to bluff. The worst feeling is making a bluff with a quick call to follow.
The board:
If the board looks like it could have hit your opponents or presents many drawing possibilities, a bluff is less likely to succeed. Look for boards without many draws or cards that are likely to improve your opponents hands. If you can represent a hand, the bluff is more likely to succeed. An uncoordinated board with one scare card that you can represent is usually a good bluffing opportunity.
The size of the pot:
Your opponents will be more prone to call if the pot is big because they get better pot odds. On the other hand, if you make a successful bluff in a big pot the reward will also be bigger. This is when good judgment comes into play.
Position:
If you are sitting in late position, you will usually have more access to information regarding your opponents hands and, thus, will be in a better situation to bluff. For example, if it is checked to you, the board looks favorable and there are few players in the pot
A lot to take into consideration before bluffing.
I have a really hard time getting up enough nerve to bluff.
sometimes you just have to go with it
would be worse to blind out in a poker tournament then to be caught bluffing.