How do you bluff your friends at online poker?

 

If you enjoy poker, you're likely to have at least a handful of friends who share your enthusiasm. Once a week, you get together, have a few beers and some munchies, and spend hours playing your favorite game. In such an environment, it's never about the money. It's a matter of fun and, of course, the right to enjoy till you meet again at the table.

Home games differ from those played in a casino or online because they are more relaxed. Everyone is usually a lot looser, there's a lot more bluffing, and everyone is having a good time. You'll need the correct plan to defeat them. Here are the seven ideas which will help you beat your pals in poker games.

Before I start, I'd want to point out that I don't include home games that are genuinely quite serious. For example, renting a house with security and taking rake seriously. I'll largely be discussing games between friends, where the stakes are low and the main goal is to have a nice time with your friends.

Don’t Be Afraid to Bet Big with Strong Hands

It's not always simple to get the most out of your powerful poker hands in traditional poker games. To get anything at all, you may need to play slowly or place a value bet. Most players are careful with their money, and your greatest hands will go to waste unless they hit something as well.

When you play at home, though, this is not the case. The majority of your friends will chase draws, call with bottom pairs, and play trash. They'll also frequently overplay hands like a top pair with a weak kicker.

This is why you should not be scared to exert some pressure and wager large sums of money. After all, with a powerful hand, your main goal is to generate a large pot and earn money. You have ideal conditions to do so, especially before and after the flop. In these stages of the game, people are more than eager to spend too much on substandard hands.

Of course, there are some exceptions. If you're only up against one or two opponents, slow down a little, especially if they're playing close.

Avoid Bluffing

This one is linked to the one before it, and the logic is fairly similar. In home games, the players you'll be up against will be carefree and unconcerned about losing a few bucks. It's all about having a good time, and the greatest way to do that is to play poker.

Obviously, you should keep that in mind if you're thinking about calling a bluff. It’s not that you shouldn't, but exercise first. Someone will almost certainly call you with a semi-decent hand.

If you bluff, there are a few indicators you can look for to see if the time is right:

If there are more than two players in the game, you should never bluff. You should nearly never bluff if the amount is exactly two. Being forewarned is the best course of action.

The flop and pre-flop are where people are just not folding, as previously stated. You might be able to persuade them to fold if they miss on the turn or on the river.

When you're playing last, you should always bluff. If your first try fails, you'll have a better chance at a second or even third barrel.

Still, bluffing is nearly always a bad idea in home games, so try to avoid it as much as possible.

See Many Cheap Flops with Speculative Hands

When you're up against a lot of people in poker games online, you'll want to play hands like low pairs or suited connectors. The reason is straightforward. When they strike anything, it's usually a huge deal, and you'll want a lot of people to participate.

This is why games at home are ideal for these kinds of hands. Frequently, you will be able to notice a cheap flop. In addition, many individuals will pay good money to watch your sets, straights, and flushes.

You should try to go to the flop for a few blinds max, especially if you're in a late position. This will allow you to observe a lot of flops, and in some cases, one big hit may be enough in home games. I've won the most money when I've gotten straight or flush against a couple of guys.

That's not to say you should aim to get to the flip at any cost. Remember, the goal is to get there for as little money as possible.

The advice in this article should help you beat your friends. Remember, though, that home games are supposed to be enjoyable. Take them lightly and don't become obsessed with winning. This is going to wreck everything for you and your friends.