The Strategy Behind No Limit Semi-Bluffing

No Limit Poker, Bluffing
August 26 2008

The Limit semi-bluff is a straightforward play. When you have a good draw, or two overcards, you just bet out one bet. But in a No Limit game, semi-bluffing requires a little more thought. The size of the bet comes into play, and you should know what bet to make in certain situations.

When you’re on an open-ended straight draw or flush draw, it’s best to try and semi-bluff an amount that gives you proper draw odds. If you’re in an early position, and there are two or more players in the hand, you can make a small bet. Make it less than half the pot, and even if only one player calls, you’ll be getting good odds on your draw. If more players call, your odds will improve.

If you’re in a late position and you raised pre-flop with something like A-K or A-Q, you can make a bigger bet if a rag flop comes off like 8-6-2. Perhaps make a pot-sized bet, or slightly less, so it looks like you’re making a value bet with a hand that you think is ahead. You will get rid of any pretenders, and you’ll be giving an opponent (who may be on a draw) poor odds to call.

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