The Semi-Bluff

A semi-bluff in online poker is a bet or raise that you make hoping your opponent will fold. However, if your opponent does not fold, you still have the possibility of improving your hand to win the pot. The difference between a semi-bluff and a cold stone bluff at online poker sites is the fact that with a semi-bluff you could draw to a winning hand. A cold stone bluff is not going to be drawing to anything.

Let's look at some semi-bluff examples so you will understand exactly what they are and how they can be used when you are playing at online poker casinos. Let's say you start with AK hearts and the flop comes 5 hearts, 8 of spades and Queen of hearts. Your AK is probably not the best hand right now, but with one more heart you will have the nuts.

This is where you lead out with a bet on a semi-bluff. If a heart comes on the turn or on the river you will win the pot. You could also win the pot immediately with your semi-bluff bet if anyone folds. Let's say you have a 9-10 suited and the flop comes 7-8-A with two of your suit. You now have an open-ended straight draw and a flush draw. This is a very good semi-bluffing hand because you have a lot of ways to win the hand.

The semi-bluff is definitely a powerful weapon to use when playing at online poker sites, particularly in No-Limit Holdem, where you can make a large enough bet to force other players out of the hand, and where if you get called you still have a chance to draw to the best hand.

The bottom line with a semi-bluff is that it is a bluff that occurs when you probably don't have the best hand, but are drawing to it. The goal is usually to win the hand right there, without any further action. If you do get called, however, you at least have a chance to draw to the winning hand.

Posted: March 12, 2007


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