Bluff
Betting or raising with a weak hand to try to make opponents fold better hands.
A bluff is a bet or raise made with a hand that is unlikely to be the best if called, with the goal of making opponents fold better hands. Bluffing is what makes poker a game of strategy rather than purely a card game.
Successful bluffing depends on your opponent's tendencies, the board texture, your betting history in the hand, and your perceived range. The best bluffs tell a consistent story — your betting pattern makes sense for a strong hand.
A semi-bluff is a bet with a drawing hand that could improve to the best hand. Semi-bluffs are generally better than pure bluffs because you can win either by opponents folding or by making your hand.
Related Terms
Fold Equity
The additional value of a bet that comes from the chance your opponent will fold.
Pot Odds
The ratio of the current pot size to the cost of a call, used to determine if a call is profitable.
Position (Poker)
Where you sit relative to the dealer button, determining when you act in each betting round.
Top Poker Rooms
Top-rated platforms reviewed by our editorial team