How To Perform A Semi-Bluff

Let's face it:

There are times at the poker table when you have to throw out a bluff.

If you never bluff, you will never get any action when you have a strong hand.

However, some players don't have what it takes to make a large bet when holding absolutely nothing.

What should this type of player do?

Throw out a semi-bluff.

Let's say you've got good positioning at the table and your dealt a J,Q of hearts. The blinds are $1,$2, and you make it $10 to play.

The action goes around the table and four of your opponents call the bet.

The flop comes 10, K, 3, with no hearts.

Everyone at the table checks and the action is to you. What should you do?

You fire out a $60 bet with you king high.

This is a semi-bluff.

You've got an open-ended straight draw. You're hoping that your opponents will fold and you can rake the rather large pot.

However, if you get a call, your still in good shape because you've taken control of the betting and you may hit your open-ended straight.

Let's say "Josh" is the only player that calls the bet and the turn is a three.

This isn't exactly the card you were looking for. Josh checks again.

Now you can't do wrong.

You can fire out another semi-bluff or you can see a free card. You decide to check and see the river for free.

It's a 4.

This is no help to you but you know it hasn't helped Josh either.

He checks again.

Now you're going to have to throw out a REAL bluff. You missed your straight but Josh has checked to you three times.

You can't put him on a very strong hand.

You have to throw out a bet that is too large for a pair of Kings or tens to call.

You fire out a $200 bet and Josh folds his King with no kicker.

This all began with your semi-bluff.

If you had checked after the flop, you would have never won this hand.

Let's say you DID check the flop...

Josh would have felt he may have the best hand when the turn hit, so he bet his king with no kicker.

The bet was rather small so you decided to call in hopes of hitting a straight.

The river hit and Josh bet again. Then you had to fold because you missed your straight and you had no clue as to what to put Josh on.

This is why betting is everything. You have to throw out bets to see where your opponents are. Plain and simple.

And this is why a "semi-bluff" in a situation like this is the perfect play.

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