Knowing When Not to Bluff

Bluffing is of course a vital strategy in the game of poker, and no poker player can be consistently successful without having mastered this important playing strategy. Many poker players, however, carry their bluffing strategy too far, and end up bluffing far too often. Some players try to bluff nearly every hand, and this is not an effective strategy. In order to be effective, bluffing should be used only sparingly, and it is important that the player know when to bluff, and just as importantly when not to bluff.

Bluffing when it is not appropriate can be an ineffective strategy, and a costly one as well. When you do bluff, of course, it is important not to reveal that you are bluffing, and to look for signs of bluffing in the other players at the same time.

It is important for every player to know when bluffing is inappropriate. These circumstances include:

When it is obvious that you would be bluffing. If the other players know you and know your style of play, they may be able to tell when you are bluffing. If you bluff in this situation you may end up losing a lot of money.
When you have been bluffing and got caught at it. If you have been previously caught bluffing in a poker site it is important to let the other players forget their impression of you as a poor bluffer before you try the bluffing strategy again.
When faced with a dangerous flop. It is important to look closely at the flop. If the flop contains an Ace, it is important to consider that someone else in the game may already hold a pair of Aces. When Aces make it past the pre-flop the player will usually stay with them, and more than likely that player will play them. It is also important not to bluff against cards that could make a straight, cards like Queens, Jacks, or Eights. Chances are good one of the other players has the cards needed to make the straight.
When playing against a lot of players. Bluffing generally works best when playing a game with few players. The more players in the game, the better the chances that one of the other players will have something in his or her hand, and that they will stay with the cards in their hands. If you bluff in this situation that player will win, and you could end up losing a lot more money.
When you are playing against bad or inexperienced players. Bad poker players do not understand the great opportunity bluffing represents. These bad players prefer to keep their play honest, and they do not fear good hands. Bluffing is only an effective strategy when it is coupled with fear of losing the hand or fear of losing money.
When you are on a losing streak. Players on a losing streak are often upset and vulnerable, and the other players may take advantage of that fact by calling you no matter what. In this case the bluffing strategy would be a losing proposition.
When you are in one of the blind position. Those in the blind position are generally expected to hold a bad hand, and since they are already in the blind bid they are expected to continue, and to bluff even if the hand is bad. In this situation, the other players will expect you to bluff, and they will call you.