Limit Holdem Semi Bluff

Limit Holdem is a very mechanical game, and a player can earn money even when playing predictably.  However, if you incorporate some sneakier techniques into your game you can increase your profit even more.  One of these limit holdem specific strategies is semi bluffing.

What is Semi Bluffing?

Semi bluffing is when you are betting into a pot (before the river, usually on the flop) with a marginal hand for two reasons.  The first reason is that you hope everyone will fold, and you win the pot immediately.  The next reason is because even if a player calls your semi bluff you have outs to win the hand.  There are several different situations where a semi bluff is a profitable play:

Inside Straight Draw

One situation where you should attempt a semi bluff is when you flop an inside straight draw.  Say you have 109 in the dealer position.  You limped in preflop along with 2 others, and the big blind checked.  No one has shown any strength which is good for a semi bluff attempt.  The flop comes 267.  All of the players check to you.  This is a prime situation to attempt a semi bluff.  The reasons are because no one has shown any strength in the hand, and the flop came rags so it is likely no one hit it.  Even if a player calls your bet, you have over cards along with your inside straight draw to help you improve.

Low Pair w/ Over Card Kicker

Another situation where a semi bluff is correct is when you hold a low pair with an over card kicker.  An example of this is if you hold A3 of clubs and the flop comes Qs3d2c.  You have just flopped mid pair with an ace kicker, along with a backdoor flush draw.  This leaves you enough outs to easily make a bet here if no one shows any strength.

Flush/Straight Draw w/ Pair

A third example of where a semi bluff is profitable is on the turn when you hold a flush draw or a straight draw, along with a pair.  A hand that shows this is as follows:

You hold 10h9h and the board is Qh4c7h 9d.  Notice that you have four hearts, giving you a flush draw, and also a pair of nines.  You have 9 hearts you can catch along with 2 nines and 3 tens to make you a strong hand.  This leaves you with a total of 14 cards to improve your hand.  This leaves you more than enough outs with one card to come to make a bet on the turn.  Even if someone calls you have a good chance of making your hand on the river.

Places You Shouldn't Semi Bluff

There are a few situations where you shouldn't semi bluff.  One of these is if you flop low pair with an ace kicker, but the board has a draw on it.  An example of this is if you hold A8 and the flop is 8910.  If you bet here, it is almost certain one of your opponents will call with a straight draw.  They could also already have a straight, or a higher pair.  If the board comes down three of a suit and you hold mid pair, you shouldn't semi bluff because it is likely someone has a flush draw.

Semi bluffing is a great technique to help pad you bankroll.  Remember to use it in correct situations while avoiding it in dangerous situations.

If you'd like to learn more about bluffing, read this article on Bluffing in No Limit Hold'em.

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