No other strategic element of Poker is as well known as bluffing. For a lot of people, even non players, bluffing is what sets Poker apart from other card games. While there are other important elements in the game, such as stealing blinds and value bets, the bluff is still an integral part.
Used properly, it can be the difference between winning and losing. The first thing a new player should understand is that like all strategies, the key to bluffing is timing. Know when and against whom to use it. A common misconception is that it should be used all the time against newcomers because they will fold easily.
In fact, the exact opposite is bound to happen. Rookie players tend to be over exuberant, raring for a piece of the action, so they will call out or raise at every opportunity. When playing newbies, just stick to your usual game plan and do not try anything fancy.
These type of players will make errors of judgment on their own, and you will profit more from their mistakes than bluffing. You will also run across others who simply will not fold, regardless of the hand. The only strategy of these players is to bluff their way to the pot. In this case it is useless to bluff; just place value bets when you have a descent hand, bet large when you have premium.
A different tact is needed for playing against Maniacs. These are the aggressive types who call and raise quickly even with less than stellar hands. When you call, they will raise. Even if you hand is only good for a call, re raise, because it is very likely that their hands are not that strong. So re raise, and they will fold.
Another tendency of players is to raise pre-flop when they have an Ace. If there is no raise, but he/she makes a small bet when an Ace appears on board, it is a bluff. When this happens, raise. Finally, it does not happen very often, but if the table is full of passive types, then forget bluffing and just raise.
Also remember that your image as a player will greatly affect the chances of a successful bluff. If you project yourself as tight and aggressive then you will get away with it. But if you play like a Maniac, then the others will simply call your bluff.
No bluffing strategy is foolproof, and there will be times, as when everyone shows down, that it will not work. But the bluff certainly has its place in Poker, and used judiciously and with precision, it will definitely help you improve as a player.
