When to give up on a bluff
Knowing when to stop bluffing saves more money than knowing when to start. A good bluff needs one thing: an opponent who can fold. When that’s no longer likely, check and give up — losing a small pot is fine; losing a big one with nothing is not.
Ask three questions before each barrel
Section titled “Ask three questions before each barrel”- Can this player fold? Calling stations rarely do. See calling stations.
- Did the card help my story? An ace or king on the turn after you raised preflop helps; a card that completes the caller’s draws doesn’t. See scare cards.
- Do I have any equity? A draw gives you a second way to win. Pure air doesn’t. See semi-bluff.
If two of the three answers are “no”, give up.
Signs it’s time to give up
Section titled “Signs it’s time to give up”- Your opponent called on a dry board and keeps calling: they have a pair and like it.
- They check-raised or raised you earlier in the hand.
- You’re multiway: at least one player will usually call.
- The river completed draws the caller probably had.
- You’ve lost credibility: you’ve been caught bluffing recently at this table. See table image.
When to keep going
Section titled “When to keep going”- The turn is a good card for you and you picked up a draw.
- The opponent is tight and their calls look like draws or weak pairs.
- Your blockers reduce their strong hands: for example, you hold the ace of the suit on a three-flush board. See blockers.
Giving up is not losing
Section titled “Giving up is not losing”Checking a missed bluff costs nothing more. Players who can’t stop bluffing are the ones who lose whole stacks with ace-high. At low stakes, one barrel is often enough; a second needs a reason; a third needs a very good reason.
See also when to bluff and double barrel.
When should I stop bluffing in a hand?
Section titled “When should I stop bluffing in a hand?”When your opponent is unlikely to fold, the cards don’t help your story, and you have no draw.
Should I always fire a second barrel?
Section titled “Should I always fire a second barrel?”No. Fire again only with a good turn card, some equity or a tight opponent.
Is it bad to give up on a bluff?
Section titled “Is it bad to give up on a bluff?”No. Checking a missed bluff costs nothing more; continuing against calling stations loses big pots.
Can I bluff calling stations?
Section titled “Can I bluff calling stations?”Rarely. Value bet them instead and give up your bluffs.