How much bluffing is there online?

**LearnPoker** · 09-03-2005

It's my belief there is a lot of bluffing online which has changed my outlook on what starting hands to play. Or should this be an even more reason to play tight yet agressive? So should one just let these guys bluff away and you keep folding or take a stand? Do you guys notice that people are blulffing way too much and if so, what are you doing about it?

**Marm** · 09-03-2005

When I identify a particular players betting tendencies, then I adjust my play, if needed. I have a set game I start with and its adjusts as the table introduces itself to me.

I dont make general assumptions (aside from having my set TAA game) to change play early like that.

To play against the LAGish players, just tighten up a touch, and use them to help you run off others from pots you intend on winning.

**Trons** · 09-03-2005

I still haven't decided if a bunch of people are bluffing, or they jst have no clue as to the value of hands.

If somebody is used to playing 5card draw with their buddies and they try HE, they might very well think that a pair is usually good and 2 pair is great...Most of the people I've seen that "appear" to be bluffing I determine are jst stupid. instant HH is great isn't it...

As far as how I play them, I usually try to tighten up my starting hands, but I'll take a weaker hand further against them (however, I'm still not sure if this is a good idea...still playing around with these types of people).

**Cpt. Bloodclot** · 09-03-2005

I find that the more i bluff the more suspect others of bluffing. Its always a thing worth bearing in mind, if you bluff alot, you'll assume others are bluffing, just because it seems like the natual thing to do. Whether ppl bluff "alot" or not is entirely subjective, some ppl bluff too much, some not enough...the trick is to spot who's doing which...

**PJ of TheGame** · 09-03-2005

If someone seems to be bluffing too much, I'll play back at him with reasonable holdings.

Example, today we had a bunch of calling stations. I was in the blind, 3 limpers. Ragged flop. I checked, another player checked, and a guy who bets every time put in a 1/3 pot bet and the fourth guy called. I re-raised all-in and took down the pot.

I'll also be more likely to call with a middle strength hand even when I'm sure I'm beat. Today, two queens showing on the turn, I have a middle pair. Guy bets big and I feel like I have to call... his gutshot draw (a low one) didn't come on the river. I was sure I was beat there, but I knew this guy was at least 50% likely to be bluffing if not more... it may have been a terrible play and would have been against a good opponent, but I made a play I normally wouldn't to adjust to his game.

**Jackal** · 09-08-2005

Online games are looser than live games due to the fast pace. It's very easy to click away. Bluffing is easier too. You don't have to push that stack of real chips in the pot.

**Antneye** · 09-08-2005

DH says to assign a 10% probability to a bluff for even a conservative player. Looser players can be assigned higher probabilities.

I actually have found that bets usually (and I stress usually) are what they seem to be. I think the 10-15% range for a bluff is reasonable. When people bet you should give them credit for a hand. If you have a hand play back at them. If the only thing you can beat is a bluff, its ok to play back, just understand that at least 80% of the time you will lose if called.

I find that studying betting patterns helps to identify the bluff bet. If a guy raises PF and seems to always lead out post flop in this situation, he is almost definately employing a strategy of a continuation bet. Since he can't always have hit his flop, he is definately bluffing some of those bets. The question is (and this is why it works so well) when is he betting for value, and when is he bluffing? I don't try to guess. If I have a hand I will play back with him.....not call, but come over the top. If I have no hand, then I will move on to the next pot.

It's not perfect, but it has been succesful for me at the $5 SNG's and low stakes NL ring games.

**Joem04** · 09-08-2005

there is no way to put an exact number on the % of bluffing, you have to play each player, a tight solid player give him more credit for his bets, a loose aggressive player give him less credit

**goose58** · 09-08-2005

Originally Posted by LearnPoker

It's my belief there is a lot of bluffing online which has changed my outlook on what starting hands to play. Or should this be an even more reason to play tight yet agressive? So should one just let these guys bluff away and you keep folding or take a stand? Do you guys notice that people are blulffing way too much and if so, what are you doing about it?

That works good against bad players. Just wait for a good hand and get it in the middle and hope he doesn't suck out.

However, if the LAG is any good, your strategy won't work as well. He will know when to fold his bad hands and you gotta call him when hes good.

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