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Step 1
Consider your opponent. Is she the type of person to semi-bluff?
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Step 2
Fold if you suspect a semi-bluff. Although not always satisfying, the best defense against a semi-bluff is often just to fold. Don't get trapped by thoughts of honor. If you don't have something close to the best hand, abort mission.
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Step 3
Check your pot odds. How likely is it that you have the best hand or can make the best hand? Remember to factor in your implied odds.
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Step 4
Use the semi-bluff raise. This is a simple concept, but one that can be powerfully effective. If you believe you have a good chance at a pot but suspect your opponent is semi-bluffing, try a raise. You are also bluffing to some degree, but if your opponent really has nothing then you will most likely win the pot right there. As opposed to simply calling, a semi-bluff raise has the advantage of forcing your opponent to pay to see the next card.
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Step 5
Call your opponent if one of the following situations occurs: the pot is large and you have a competitive hand; you have the intention of betting out on the next round; you are waiting to make a delayed semi-bluff raise in the next round, confusing your opponent into thinking you have made a great hand or were slow-playing.
