Bluff
诈唬
A bluff is a bet or raise made with a hand that is unlikely to be the best, with the goal of making opponents fold superior hands. Effective bluffing requires understanding board texture, opponent tendencies, and choosing the right sizing. Pure bluffs (with no chance of improving) differ from semi-bluffs, which have outs to improve to the best hand.
Example
You hold 7♠ 5♠ on a K♦ 8♣ 2♥ Q♣ board and bet large on the river, representing a strong hand to force a fold.
Related Terms
More Strategy Terms
GTO (Game Theory Optimal)
A mathematically unexploitable strategy derived from game theory.
Semi-Bluff
Betting or raising with a drawing hand that could improve to the best hand.
Exploitative Play
A strategy that specifically targets and exploits opponents' tendencies and weaknesses.
Float
Calling a bet in position with a weak hand, planning to bluff if checked to on the next street.
Slow Play
Playing a strong hand passively to disguise its strength and trap opponents.
Linear Range (Condensed)
A range containing hands ranked by strength, from strongest to a cutoff point, without gaps.