Semi-bluff

Betting or raising with a hand that is probably behind now but has a real chance of becoming the best hand — typically a straight or flush draw. It wins two ways: the opponent folds, or the draw gets there.

Because the equity backs up the aggression. Even when called you have outs, so the bet needs to work far less often to be profitable — and the pot you build is one you may well win at showdown.

The ones with most equity and most fold equity: combo draws, open-enders with overcards, and flush draws on boards where the opponent's range is weak. A bare gutshot on a board that hits them hard is the version that loses money.