The Two Kinds of Bluff

Bluffing is defined as betting even if one has a weak hand. Most poker players make the mistake of limiting this definition to playing with hands that do not have a probable combination. However, a 'weak' hand does not necessarily mean a bad hand; as certain hands could only be weak in relation to the probability that other players could be holding stronger hands. Because of this, bluffs could be classified into two: the hard bluff and the soft bluff.

The hard bluff is made when one bets on a hand that has little or no chance of gaining strength. This means that the hand rankings above the possible combination one's hand might produce are numerous.

An example of this is a player expecting to create only a high card hand or a 'junk' hand. Since the high card is the lowest possible hand ranking in poker, the possibility that an opponent might have a better hand than the player is high.

The most optimal time for a hard bluff is when there are fewer players who kept their hands, and when these players are most susceptible to folding. Since the only way to win in a hard bluff is for all the opponents to fold, the hard bluff could only be successful in certain optimal circumstances.

Meanwhile, the soft bluff is made when one bets on an inferior hand that has a good chance of improving. That means the hand a player is holding could create a higher hand ranking once the river is revealed.

An example of this is a player holding a two of hearts and a six of clubs. While that player does have a chance of getting a straight once the river is revealed, the hand that they are holding is much weaker than an opponent that could have a pair, or consecutive cards, or same-suited cards.

Soft bluffs do not only rely on luring all the opponents to fold, since the hand also has a chance of improving. However, it is still more practical to lure opponents into giving up their hands, since the probability of getting a good ranking is still low.

A good strategy for a soft bluff would be to play slowly before the flop, just to be sure that your hand does improve. If it does not, then one must either fold, or use the strategy for the hard bluff.

Remember, weak hands are not weak at all if you play it right. Knowing what kind of situation you are in means making the correct action and the correct kind of bluff. Learn to assess the situation first before deciding whether to bluff or to follow that bluff through. A keen eye and a good instinct will help you not only in winning the round but also in winning the game.