Bluff
A bet or raise made with a hand you believe is not the best, intended to make a better hand fold. A semi-bluff is the same move with a drawing hand that can still improve if called.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bluff in poker?
A bet or raise made with a hand that will lose if called, intended to make a better hand fold. A pure bluff has no chance of improving; a semi-bluff has outs as well.
How often does a bluff need to work?
It depends entirely on the size. A pot-sized bluff needs to work half the time to break even; a half-pot bluff only a third of the time. That relationship — the alpha of the bet — is what makes sizing a strategic choice rather than a habit.
What is the most common bluffing mistake?
Bluffing players who do not fold. Against a calling station a bluff is simply a donation. The second most common is choosing the wrong hands: bluff with hands that have no showdown value and block the opponent's strong holdings, not with hands that might win by checking.