A semi-bluff is a great strategy for players that have already mastered a full bluff and know how to judge their hand against the strength of the table. Semi-bluffing is when you have a middling hand and suspect that your opposition is weak either because you have picked up on some poker tells or they are making predictable poker betting patterns. The idea is that your opponents will fold on your bet, but if they don’t you still stand a good chance of winning.
The most opportune time for a semi-bluff is when you’ve gotten a middle pair on the flop with an ace to back or when you’ve got a decent hand for pulling a straight or flush in the turn. Betting with these hands tells the other players that you’re working on something, but betting higher than usual implies that you’ve already got it.
The great thing about a semi-bluff is that you’ve got two chances to win the hand. If the other players fold after your early bet, then you win a small pot quickly. If they call, you still have a good shot at picking up a better hand on the turn and winning anyway with a larger pot.
Once you start your semi-bluff remember the number one rule of any bluff is remain consistent.
To reduce risk, be observant of pre-flop betting and especially of players that re-raise, which suggests a top ranked starting hand. Do not semi-bluff a strong table. The whole idea of a semi-bluff is to take advantage of a perceived weakness, and semi-bluffing against players that aren’t going to fold is basically just betting too high on a mediocre hand. Anyone with a strong hand will be happy to call your bets and build their pot.
Returning to the semi-bluff for flushes and draws, it is important to note that many new and even intermediate players will over bet when they pull these combinations on the turn. A semi-bluff on these combinations is best performed when players seem likely to fold. Otherwise you run the risk of them pulling a better hand and pumping your semi-bluff bets. The semi-bluff is a great resource for skilled players but is frequently misused by over eager amateurs.
When used correctly, the semi-bluff has a two-pronged advantage. Having a good hand to begin with gives you a decent chance of winning the hand on the turn or even on the river, but that combined with the potential of a quick fold gives you twice the opportunity for taking the pot. The success of your semi bluff relies largely on your ability to read the other player, so choose your victims wisely.
