If you want to be a successful poker player who can consistently win, it is necessary to become familiar with and master several common techniques and strategies. An important strategy is the semi-bluff. Every decent player is aware of this strategy. Whether they have mastered it may be another story.

What is a Semi-bluff?
A semi-bluff differs from a total bluff in that it is backed by the possibility of having a winning hand by the showdown. If a person wins the showdown on a true bluff, it is usually a fluke more than anything else.

Advantages of the Semi-bluff

Semi-bluffing provides four advantages that can lead to winning the pot that the player would not have without the semi-bluff:

1. There are no free cards for the opponents. Checking is avoided. This increases the odds of winning the pot.

2. You can gain a free card for yourself. Most other players at the table will be following an A-B-C basic strategy of playing hands cheaply by calling and checking. These are my favorite opponents to play against!

3. Fold Equity! The player may fold, and you will win the hand immediately. Opponents are misled to believe you have a made hand. When done on the draw, this provides a great illusion. If you get called and lose, this little bit of advertising may also help you later get action when you really want it.

4. You gain valuable information on your opponents. When you bet on the draw, a check and raise can show a strong hand by an opponent. This is a sign that it might be best to go ahead and fold, saving yourself from losing additional bets.

When to Use the Semi-bluff
The semi-bluff is best used in no-limit games with 3 or less players remaining in the pot. Four or five is possible, but pushes the limits of an effective semi-bluff. The basic premise of semi-bluffing is that if you are willing to call with your drawing hand, then it may be good for a semi-bluff. What makes semi-bluffing work is that it often goes unnoticed. Your bet sizing should be somewhat consistent whether you have the made hand or not.

One good opportunity for a semi-bluff appears when the flop is “all blue” (one suit). This gives a bluff valuable credence especially when you are holding the Ace of the suit.

Please remember that for this to work, your opponent must be capable of folding. Be careful who you choose to bluff!