Micro Stakes Bluffing

Bluffing is an integral part of playing No Limit Poker – irrespective of the discipline (Hold´em, Omaha, Badugi etc). The problem with bluffing at low level and micro stakes poker is that the amount you may be putting into the pot is not always going to be enough to scare a player with a good hand into folding, and you could be seen all the way to the river – with nothing.

This is why the only possible time you should attempt a bluff in micro-stakes poker is when you have a number of outs in your hand that could potentially beat a top pair currently showing on the board. This way, you are playing more of a semi-bluff that a true bluff, and have the opportunity to connect with the turn or the river to make a hand. Furthermore, you should limit the size of your bet to that which you would make if you already had a hand, and do not telegraph your (semi) bluff with an outrageous punt. 

 If you have a decent virtual pile of chips in front of you, playing a bluff can be considerably more tempting than when you are short-stacked (in both ring games and multi player poker tournaments), but it has to be remembered that if other players frequently catch you bluffing (which is more likely in micro stakes poker), they are more likely to take on your bets. Although this may be a viable ploy of you have developed a reputation as a tight player who only bets when they have top hand, it can devastate your chip stack if you are caught out too often.

There is a school of thought that bluffing in micro stakes poker is pointless because too many of your opponents will not respect your bet and will call regardless. This is not necessarily true, and it is more likely that the value to them of the money they would lose is relatively insignificant. When the stakes are higher, and particularly when you are playing against those who are conscious of protecting their funds to turnover welcome bonuses, you will find that a controlled level of bluffing is more successful.

Therefore, pick the times at which you bluff when playing micro stakes poker carefully. You should at least have a hand with a chance of winning the pot, be playing against players you have identified as cautious (if not tight) and be prepared to fold your cards if too many players are prepared to see your bet. One of the best times to test the water on a table is when a flop has come down with an obvious straight or flush opportunity. You can bet into the pot to imply that you have connected with the board, but only in moderation – one of your opposition might have actually done so!

The best way to treat bluffing in micro stakes poker is to avoid instigating it yourself as much as possible. Instead, watch out for other players "trying it on" and profit from their ignorance rather than risk your chips in an unnecessary bet.