How often do you bluff the river — and when?

Vovk

Vovk

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For me, bluff on the river is the most nerve-wracking, but at the same time, the most enjoyable part of poker. I try to find missed moments with a low showdown or hand with a low showdown, but sometimes I overdo it. When is the best time to bluff on the river, and when is it just burning chips? Do you pay attention to blockers, timing or bet sizes? I would like to see real examples of when it worked and when it didn't.
 
john_entony

john_entony

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No, I rarely bluff on the river, even in a strong position at the table. The river is the part of the board where it's the hardest to take chips (especially if we're playing in a tournament with deep stacks). The best time to bluff on the board is on the turn. And on the turn you need to raise confidently (about 60-70% of the pot-bank) to make your bluff successful. :unsure:
 
dannystanks

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If it’s a good spot and you are playing against an opponent that can fold then yes I bluff. This is part of the game that sometimes must be done to win chips. I won’t do it against a calling station so it has to be done against better players that can fold. Or against a player that you see overfolding river bets. hands with no showdown value like a missed draw are good candidates. Also make sure we are heads up when doing this. Make the bluff a meaningful bet because if it’s too small it will be too easy for the opponent to call.
Also don’t worry about getting caught bluffing. This helps us get action in future hands when we are value betting and need a call. Also bluffs don’t have to work all the time to be profitable like people think. If we never get bluffing means we are not bluffing enough.
 
black and

black and

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First of all, I pay attention to the game of my opponents. The way they play gives me the basis for making a decision. I rarely bluff, but I do it successfully in 90% of cases.
 
Dushka

Dushka

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I very rarely bluff to the river, although my husband says it's wrong and I should bluff more often.
 
bodil19982

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Rarely, depends on the opponent and the cards on the table
 
fernandofcp

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Bluff in the river may be a risky tactic, but it can be effective if used correctly. However, it is important to know the opponent's style of play. If he is a player who usually pays with weak hands, the bluff can be risky. But if the opponent does not show strength throughout his hand, it can be viable and may be better to try to win the hand.
 
MAFNL16061986

MAFNL16061986

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it depends on how strong my hands are and what the openent is doing for raise or call or check
 
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