Bluffing Circumstances

Bluffing may be more effective in some circumstances than others. Bluffs have a higher expectation when the probability of being called decreases. Several game circumstances may decrease the probability of being called (and increase the profitability of the bluff):

• Fewer opponents who must fold to the bluff.
  
  
• The bluff provides less favorable pot odds to opponents for a call.
  
  
• A scare card comes that increases the number of superior hands that the player may be perceived to have.
  
  
• The player's betting pattern in the hand has been consistent with the superior hand they are representing with the bluff.
  
  
• The opponent's betting pattern suggests the opponent may have a marginal hand that is vulnerable to a greater number of potential superior hands.
  
  
• The opponent's betting pattern suggests the opponent may have a drawing hand and the bluff provides unfavorable pot odds to the opponent for chasing the draw.
  
  
• Opponents are not irrationally committed to the pot (see sunk cost fallacy).
  
  
• Opponents are sufficiently skilled and paying sufficient attention.