How To

How to Minimize Bluffing in Texas Holdem

By Melissa Hincha-Ownby, eHow Editor
How to Minimize Bluffing in Texas Holdem
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Texas Holdem attracts a wide variety of players. From conservative players with decades of experience to aggressive young guns, a poker table features a wide variety of personalities. Understanding more about individual play styles will help you learn how to minimize bluffing in Texas Holdem.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • A Poker Face
  1. Step 1

    When you first sit down at a new Texas Holdem table, pay more attention to the players than the cards. Psychology is a huge part of this game and if you can figure out what type of player each person is, you will be more successful in your attempts to minimize bluffing.

  2. Step 2

    Start off your play more conservatively than you usually do. While some players never show their hand if they don't need to, depending on the people at the table, showing a winning hand might be beneficial. If you find yourself repeatedly going heads-up with the same aggressive player, consider showing him your cards if he mucks before you get to a showdown. Only do this if you're holding a solid hand. This may give the impression that you are a strong player and when you're betting, you've got the nuts.

  3. Step 3

    Once you've established your style of play at the table, consider pushing back when an aggressive player bets into you. If you're deep-stacked, use those chips to your advantage. It is more difficult to minimize bluffing in limit Holdem, especially low limit games, but in a no-limit Holdem game your deep stack is a bonus. Even the most aggressive player will think twice before attempting to bluff a deep stack.

Tips & Warnings
  • Read popular poker books. These books are a fantastic resource for both new and experienced players.
  • Watch poker on television. Study the players, the hands, the betting patterns and the mannerisms. Take what you learn and implement it into your live game.
  • Don't steam or go on tilt. The second an aggressive player sees someone on tilt, he will set his target on that player. When emotions enter into the game, poker players are more susceptible to bluffs. Smart poker players know this and will capitalize on that emotion. If a hand has you on tilt, step away from the table and take a break. Come back when your emotions are in check.
Resources
Photo Credit

sherin0426 @ http://morguefile.com, Armand Scheijen

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