Fri, 08/05/2011 – 23:12 – PokerPages Staff

Many people talk about poker bluffing but not many people can do it well, especially as a beginner poker player. Everybody bluffs in their own way but here are a number of general poker rules to help you out.

Only a few opponents: in this situation the chance that someone has a good hand are reduced. Therefore, you can bluff that you do and hope the others fold.

Tight opponents: such players only stay in if their hand is good. Therefore, you could make out that you have a good hand to make resist betting. However, if one of them calls you then they’re probably able to beat you.

Missed draws: if you’ve noticed that a drawing hand has been overlooked once you’re reached the river then you should consider bluffing. This is especially the case if you’re holding a small pair or an ace in the hole.

On the button: if you’re seated in this position (the last one betting) and all the other players have checked then you can presume that many will fold. If your only other players are the small and big blinds then you can try and steal them. However, players may call if they realize you’re doing this.

Flop shows a pair: if this happens and you’re in the late position with no further bets then you could bluff that you’ve made a set. This is known as ‘adopting the orphans’.

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