Poker bluffing is an art form and if you're able to do it when playing Texas Holdem, it's a high art form. Since there are five community cards exposed, it is a very tough game in which to bluff. In fact, many professionals just won't do it. However, there are certain times when a bluff can payoff.

 

Position Bluffing

When it comes to poker bluffing, the position bluff in Texas Holdem can prove to be a winning move. It works best if you are in the dealer position or if the dealer has folded and you are the next player to the right of the dealer, which means you're the last one to bet in each round.

 

If everyone checks after the hole cards are dealt and they do the same after the flop and then everyone checks after the turn, throwing in a chunk after the turn can result in everyone folding. You have to be the final bettor in the round and everyone should have checked. This move works really well if there's a sense that all the other players in the round are at heart relatively passive.  If the minimum bet is $20 and you have $1,200 to $2,000, wager around $100.

 

Tall Stack Bluffing

If you're in a Texas Holdem Sit-n-Go and play is starting to wind down, tall stack bluffing can also work well. This type of poker bluffing requires that you have a substantial chip lead and that there are various short-stacked players at the table.

 

If you're holding around $4,000 in chips and there are a few players with stacks at around $1,000 or less, then this can scare them off. It won't work if they have solid hands and it's best to make this move right after the hole cards are dealt and to make it again in the same hand right after the flop.

 

Once again, this bluff works best if you are the dealer or just to the right of that spot. After the cards are dealt, if betting is low key, toss in a raise equal to about half of the short stacked player totals. If they're holding around $950, then bet $500. Chances are they will fold.

 

However, there is also the chance that they will see you or even raise you. If they see you, that's fine. Your next move after the flop is to force them all-in. But if they raise you, you have a decision to make.

 

Don't just fold but don't meet the raise. First, consider the risk and what you're holding. If you're willing to simply risk another $500, then go for it, and if you lose, play tight in the next hand or two. If you fold, that's fine because you may have cut your loses and you're still in command.

 

Smart Play is Key

With poker bluffing, smart play is key. With Texas Holdem, aggressive bluffers tend to be exposed fairly early and more times than not a regimen of bluffing ends in elimination. Why? Because eventually that player is going to bluff someone who's being very smart and playing a high pair in the hole that's become trips after the flop. They'll let the bluffer push the bet to the hilt and then hammer them with a major raise after the river.

 

The lesson is simple when it comes to poker bluffing in Texas Holdem. Do so at appropriate times. When you do bluff, you have to do it with authority. Bluffs equal to or double the minimum wager rarely make anyone dropout. Get in the habit of winning and not just trying to trick people.