How to Bluff in Poker

A dead day in Toronto can lead to some lively hands.

Courtesy of weheartit

With the Olympics in full force right now (and various Olympic gear enroute in the mail), we thought we’d take Friday down a notch with a friendly game of Texas Hold ‘Em. Trouble is, a game isn’t a fun game unless you win it. So here’s how to bluff in your next poker game:

1. Count the Players
The more players there are, the more likely you’ll be caught on your little lie. If you’re only playing against one or two other people, give it a go on a less risky hand and see if you can get away with it.

2. Keep your face blank.
You know that look you get when an accountant discusses your current financial situation? Use that now. When you react to the cards you’re dealt, everyone notices whether you’re disappointed or excited. If you want to get even more serious, put on a pair of sunglasses – apparently pupils dilate when excited.

3. Bet/raise before the flop.
In other words, make a bet before the first three cards are revealed. If you appear confident in your cards, it will intimidate your opponents. Your next mission is to check (i.e. pass) on the next turn. This will give the impression to others that you are disappointed in the flop. Little do they know it’s all part of the plan.

4. Make a huge bet after the river.
When the last card is revealed, you need to get your game on. If nobody makes a bet, make a small bet to ruffle a few feathers. If somebody does make a bet, even a big one, double it. The best part of the bluff is your confidence. For all they know you’ve got a Royal Flush in your hand, so why not pretend you do?

5. Back up your bluff.
Think about the cards going down. What scenarios might be possible for a great hand? What cards do you supposedly have and how likely is it that you have them? This foresight might take a little more practice if it’s your first game, but the more you understand probabilities, the more likely you’ll be able to bluff.

6. Don’t be a sore loser.
If you’ve been caught on the bluff, brush it off your shoulders. Buy the pizza or take off the item of clothing, and try again on the next round. If you’re playing with some highly competitive jerks, then keep refilling their drinks. The drunker they are, the more likely they’ll screw up – leaving you to take home the gold.

XoXo
– The Cowgirls.