The Most Common Bluffs You’ll Come Across in Poker

Hero, a man’s hands checking his hole cards at a poker table with a drink in front of him, he is wearing a gold watch on his left hand

The growing popularity of online poker and other casino games can be largely attributed to technological advances, which have sparked a renewed interest in poker, baccarat and roulette in recent years. This is besides other classic casino games that have either been modernized or reintroduced to current generations by family members. One of those casino games that have truly stood the test of time is poker.

With poker being such an unpredictable game that requires a certain amount of tact, strategy and luck, the art of bluffing could help you progress in the game if you do it right. Although the dynamics are different when you play poker online, it’s always good to expand your poker knowledge and skills because some of the skills are transferable for many live and online casino games. In fact, bluffing is as prominent a tactic in poker online games as in in-person games, if not more. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced poker player, bluffing is a universal skill that can give you the upper hand time and time again!

What Is Bluffing in Poker?

Bluffing is a tactic that poker players use to deceive their opponents by intentionally hiding or misrepresenting the strength of their hand to create uncertainty. In a way, you could say that poker players bluff to almost force their opponents to fold their strong hands because they think they don’t stand a chance or to get them to call their weak hands. With good bluffing skills, it’s possible to turn the game around and give yourself the upper hand over your opponents, which is even more important if the stakes are high and you’re playing live or online poker for real money.

What Are the Bluffing Essentials To Know?

Bluffing is an essential part of poker, but knowing when to bluff (and how not to do it excessively) is important. There’s nothing stopping you from bluffing at any point during your game. Below are the most optimal times to bluff (so that your bluffing can yield results!)

Bluff Preflop

Bluffing early in the game can help you collect blinds.

Bluff Postflop

When some players are leaning toward folding, deceiving them about your hand could count in your favor.

Bluff When Opponents Show Weakness

Exploiting your opponents’ weaknesses when they play conservatively can be to your benefit.

10 Most Common Bluffs in Poker

Body image, two men sitting opposite each other at a poker table, close up of their hands, the man closest to the camera is wearing a gold watch and checking his hole cards, the other man clasps his hands together, stacks of poker chips in front of each of them and playing cards lay face up on the table

Many myths surround this classic casino game and bluffing, but over the years, these are 10 of the most common bluffs you might encounter the more you play.

1. Balance Bluff

This entails incorporating your bluff into your poker strategy, ultimately striking a good balance between bluffing and playing your hands.

2. Polarized Bluff

Here, you play with the extreme ends of the spectrum by playing with strong hands or a bluff. Your opponents can never be too sure of your hands — even if you’ve got a weak hand.

3. Stone-Cold Bluff

Here, you play and bet aggressively, hoping to deceive your opponents into folding their strong hands.

4. Semi-Bluff

Considered the more conservative approach to bluffing, a semi-bluff can be used with the hopes of turning the game around in your favor. You try to intimidate them to the point that they fold their strong hands because of your aggressive or decisive play.

5. Continuation Bet

As suggested by the name, this type of bluff entails continuing with bets regardless of whether your hand has improved.

6. Check-Raise Bluff

Here, you start off by checking and then raising a bet after another player. This is done to create the impression that you have a strong hand.

7. Stealing the Blinds

It is popularly believed that players with an early position have weak hands, so you could raise before the flop to steal the blinds.

8. Overbet Bluff

Some might call this being overconfident and compensating for however weak your hand is. With an overbet, you make a large bet or raise to create the impression that you can’t be beaten.

9. Reverse Tell Bluff

This is rooted in the basis of bluffing, where you display wrong tells to confuse your opponents.

10. Table Image Bluff

Based on your opponents’ perception of you, they’ll try to figure out your strategy and gameplay. An unexpected bluff will throw them off track and they won’t be able to interpret your hands fully.

Tips for Reading Poker Bluffs

Body image, a man sits at a red poker table holding two poker chips out, stacks of poker chips to his right and a drink and money to his left, pocket fours lay face up on the table in front of him

In many instances, there are ways to determine whether someone is bluffing — or ways that you may be giving yourself away!

Body Language and Behavior

This is most apparent when playing in person because there are physical tells to be mindful of, such as fidgeting, avoiding eye contact or breathing abnormally. Some players who don’t prepare enough beforehand or practice mindfulness may struggle to keep their composure and bluff excessively.

Timing

This tip can be useful when playing in-person and online poker tournaments. You should remain observant of how quickly or slowly your opponents play. Quick play may be a false show of confidence, while delayed or slow play may be a deceptive means of creating uncertainty.

Inconsistencies

If you’re familiar with an opponent’s strategy, gameplay or general approach to poker and you notice a sudden change, that could indicate a bluff.

Put Your Poker Skills to the Test at Borgata Online

Live dealer casino games like poker aren’t losing attention anytime soon, so equipping yourself with the necessary tools and information will count in your favor. This is especially true if you’re looking to progress and establish a name for yourself in the poker community.

The great news is that you no longer have to visit a physical gambling establishment to get the casino experience; you can immerse yourself in the excitement from the comfort of your own home. If you’re ready to put your poker skills to the test and play the likes of Five-Card Draw poker and Texas Hold’em online, register at Borgata Online and start playing on one of the best online poker sites around.