Inducing bluffs

by Mike
(Chicago)

One of the most famous bluffs in movie history: "Did I fire six shots, or only five?"

Most players are not tricky. Therefore, the hand should play out as a story. If something in the story does not make sense, it normally means the opponent is bluffing.

Consider the following scenario. You raise in middle position with AQos and get two callers behind you. The flop brings Qs9s3h and you bet out, and get one caller. The turn brings a 5h. Faced with a couple of draws, you bet again and again get called. The river brings a blank - 6d.

Figuring your opponent is on a draw, or possibly had a QJ type hand, you figure they won't call much. Now you may be able to induce a bluff. By checking, you invite a bluff. If your opponent takes the bait and bets out big, you have two possibilities: the opponent was slowplaying all along, or bluffing.

Most of the time, most players are bluffing in this situation. Unless your opponent is known to slowplay, they will also likely be scared of draws and will want to raise on the flop or turn. Be prepared to make a brave call in this situation.