Pokerwebpages.com → Advanced texas holdem poker
Semi-Bluffing
- What is semi-bluff ?
A bet with a hand which, if called, does not figure to be the best hand at the moment, but has a reasonable chance of outdrawing those hands that initially called it.
- What are some obvious examples of semi-bluff situations ?
You have flopped an inside straight draw, or second or third pair with an overcard kicker.
- Cite a specific example ?
You have T♠ 9♠ against not too many opponents, and the flop comes 7♣ 6♦ 2♠.
- Why might you not want to semi-bluff in last position ?
You may be check-raised.
- Therefore, what is one of the determining factors about semi-bluffing when you are last ?
How frequently you think you will be check-raised.
- What else might your semi-bluff bet do for you in last position ?
It might buy you a free card.
- Give some examples of correct semi-bluff situations ?
A four-flush or an open-end straight draw, especially with a pair, with one card to come; a small pair with an overcard kicker on the flop; and a small gut shot when the flop includes a high card.
- What is a good rule to follow when determining whether to semi-bluff ?
If your hand is either worth a call or almost worth a call if you check, then it is better to bet if there is some chance that you can win the pot right there.
- What is a secondary advantage to semi-bluffing ?
When you make your poker hand, your opponent often will misread it.
- What is a third advantage of semi-bluffing ?
It keeps your opponents guessing.
- What happens if you never bluff ?
You are giving away too much information when you do bet.
- What is a fourth advantage of semi-bluffing ?
You may get a free card on the next round.
- When is it correct to bet two overcards ?
Frequently, especially if you have backdoor flush potential.
- What is an exception ?
You think a reasonable chance exists that if you catch your card, you still won’t win.
- When would you be less likely to bet two holdem overcards ?
When a straight type flop hits, or a flop with two suited cards.
- If you bet two overcards on the flop and are raised, should you call ?
The answer depends on whether you think you will be able to win if one of your overcards hits, and on the pot odds that you are getting.
- If small cards flop, why should you be more inclined to call with KQ than with AK ?
This is because many more people play hands like Ax than Kx.