Online Casino | Poker | Online Poker | Poker Blog

No matter where you go - it could be a live game, online poker, a poker tournament, anywhere - you’re going to find that one player who wants to push everyone around. This player will usually be talkative and brash, thinking he’s the greatest player in the universe and that he can steamroll everyone that crosses his path. Unfortunately for him, he doesn’t realize that humility and changing speeds are what success to the game is really about.

There are a few ways to handle bluffers, and the approach you take should be based on your personality or style of play – whatever you’re most comfortable with or what comes naturally. Don’t try to change styles when combating someone that’s frustrating you at the table. If you play poker that way, they have won.

The first approach to use is to go right back at him. This approach is more for the aggressive player. Most bluffers like to throw big bets out there, but have you ever noticed that when they hit really big they always check (see Tom Dwan)? That should tell you something. If they keep betting big, go over the top. Not only will you win the pot (unless you gave something away), but you will have established a ‘don’t mess with me’ image. Most people say this is a good image to have, because people won’t try to bluff you. Then again, some players make most of their money when others try to bluff them. You must figure out how you want to extract money from others and stick to it.

The second approach to dealing with a bluffer is to let him bluff over and over again. Let him take as many small pots as he wants. Make sure you don’t get frustrated and call with middle pair with a bad kicker just because you want to get lucky and beat him. That’s a bad idea. Just let him keep taking those small pots. What you must realize is that if you keep folding in small pots, it’s possible he’s hitting and you’re frustrating him. Keep your composure. Then, when you hit, play it the same way and let him lead out. Check-raise him on the river. It’s the most powerful play in the book. If you have a hand, you win big. If not, he’ll still respect the check-raise and would need close to the nuts to call.