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When not to Bluff |
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Bluffing should probably
not be an automatic reaction. Many times it
takes a feel for a table to make me want to
bluff. When doing it keep in mind that
everyone else is also looking for an
opportunity to bluff. Maybe you spot them
bluffing in a common situation or they spot
you. It only works when you get away with
it, so you must use it sparingly.
Here are some times when you outright should
not bluff.
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A. When players
expect you to.
Don't be the fish. A huge leak can be
bluffing in telltale situations against
players who know them. That's a common
money-maker for the other players. Always
consider this rule before attempting a
bluff.
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B. When you've been
caught bluffing recently.
You've been labeled as a poor bluffer
already. Ride it out. Let them forget that
hand. Start rebuilding a reputation as a
straight player so you can eventually try a
bluff again later (and hopefully not screw
it up again).
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C. Against a dangerous flop.
If the flop has an Ace, chances are that
someone has a pair of aces. Aces tend to
make it beyond pre-flop. Also, players tend
to continue to play their Aces. Don't bluff
against Aces. You also wouldn't want to
bluff against a flop like K,Q,9. Chances are
someone has something they'll stick with.
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D. Against lots of players.
Chances are that someone has something that
they'll stick with. By bluffing in this
situation, you just become an agent of that
player. From an odds perspective, this is
never worth it.
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E. Against bad players.
As much as they love to bluff, they love to
catch someone in a bluff. They're much more
likely to "keep you honest"
because they don't realise what a
money-loser that is. It's much more
profitable to play straight up in these
games. Bluffing is only effective from a
"fear" perspective in this case.
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F. You just lost a
big hand or have lost a series of hands.
Not only might you be on tilt, but other
players will expect you to be on tilt, and
will more readily call you.
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G. You limped in, or are
in a blind position.
You really have to evaluate the flop, but
generally other players will think you have
a poor hand and expect you to bluff.
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