If you bluff at the right time you can take down many extra pots. Inexperienced players usually bluff too often. Bluffing is when you don't have a solid hand and you bet anyway hoping the other players folds. If not done at the right time bluffing can cost players a lot of chips. Bluffing at the right time and bluffing at the wrong time will make the difference between a winning player and a losing player. When you bluff you want the other players to think you have a great hand. Bluffing the flop can be extremely. If you are holding a draw hand such as one away from a straight or flush you should also bet, this is called "semi-bluffing". Even if you do not make your straight or flush the other players may fold so you have 2 ways to win. You can win more pots by bluffing than you can with having strong hands. Another extremely factor when deciding when to bluff is knowing the other players.

Weak players also known as "fish", bluff way too often. For instance, weak players tend to go all-in on the flop when they have a hand like A-K regardless of how strong their hand is. Another common mistake weak players make is bluffing when the other player is "pot committed". When you are 'pot committed" you already have a lot of chips in the pot so you will put the rest in even if you only have a small chance at winning. You must also take a look the cards on the board when choosing the best time to bluff. If the river creates a straight draw on the board and you didn't catch the hand you were hoping for a large bet may make the other player think you have a flush.

A smart time to bluff is when you get dealt a hand like A-K or a pocket pair, you should raise before the flop. While this isn't considered a bluff it puts you in a great position to bluff after the flop. If the flop is 4-6-9 you should bluff, the odds are the other player's hand did not improve. If the other player calls than you may want to check on the turn depending on position. Not every bluff is going to work so keep that in mind. Never try to bluff with a majority of your money. In the end knowing the optimal time to bluff can be extremely profitable. Also, bluffing at the wrong time or too often is a quick way to lose your chip stack.

Article Courtosey of: Robert Haynes http://www.pokermunch.com