One Methods: A risky tactic, bluffing in poker is not something to apply regularly. But for that extraordinary chance to take down a big pot at poker night, you might just be able to bluff your way through, to get everyone to fold by how you bet, not by saying much.
It's a part of the game too see what turns up. But, low stakes, called 'no fold-em' poker, is hard to bluff, where people are playing for just a few dollars, the money risked is too low. Here are some suggestions for successful bluffing in poker with somewhat higher stakes, with most examples from 'Texas-Hold-em', such as seen on TV cable sports channels, but they can apply to any game of poker. Understand the stakes. Realize that casino poker can be 'no limit' (NL) and have extreme risks. Also, you have to chip-in/pay to play, and the price goes up as the number of players dwindle in the tournament.
But 'friendly' can have the expected outcome go wrong and cause you to lose your stack, (to say nothing of ruining your credit, when borrowing to pay gambling debts) and possibly lose face/your-reputation! By betting money into a pot that you know you're not likely to win, you're taking big risks (and, if you fold your bet/wagered money stays in the pot). On the other hand, sometimes opportunity strikes and looks so winnable, and the other players so 'bluffable', that it seems worth such risk. Have your limits, strategy and backdoor.
It is worth understanding from the outset that bluffing is a lot less common than shown in movies; in most cases especially with a large table of players, you do need to have good cards because someone at the table will often want to play to a final showdown since someone will have good cards in that large pool of players. In tournaments avoid bluffing someone with a shorter stack who will be looking to get more money by betting strongly/and even going all in - and, also, you avoid deeper stacks that can afford to 'look you up' (call your bet/bluff). Medium stacks are the ideal target because they are less desperate, and more likely to play conservatively and fold when you bluff strongly; so, you win more often there. Bluff not only when it's worth doing so, but also when the stakes are high; bluffing works well in high stakes when you have a middle or better stack, and the pressure's on all the shorter stacks to catch up to the leaders or fizzle, and they may go for bust with a weak hand, hoping to bluff-out anyone with a medium or bigger stack!. Talented poker players acquire their skill from thousands upon thousands of hands of experience; such as playing for practice online. If you continue to play poker with discipline and an, your chances of bluffing successfully should increase consistently.
A good bluffer has a constant attitude, either a fun personality or a never changing poker-face, and 'makes the attitude seem real'. The successful bluff is one where nobody knows you bluff, because all the opponents fold/give-up before the last chance to bet, and you win the pot by default. If there is a showdown (where you must show your cards), you will be shown-up as a bluffer, if you are seen betting big with a weak or trash hand. You normally only want to get into a showdown when you have pretty good cards, except getting caught once may be okay; so, be ready to use your backdoor (so fold), before the showdown when you have a weak/or trash hand! Understand how to read the tells. 'Tells' are important - they're the analyzing side of playing poker. Not only does a good knowledge of tells tell when someone else is bluffing, but knowing common signs of bluffing will help you to try to avoid your own unconscious giveaway signs.
And listen to other's advice about when they say that they think you're bluffing; being consciously aware of your subconscious tells can be used to your advantage by acting 'bluff' tells when you want someone to think you're bluffing, but you actually have a great hand!. Watch how chips are put down. They can be placed down gently, counted down, banged down, slid forward, etc. If a player bets his chips very strong and far away from himself, it can mean that subconsciously their chips are going away from them, like they might be bluffing. On the other hand, a person betting closer to themselves can subconsciously mean that the money is expected to be coming back to them. Look for eye twitches, lip movements, scratching, flaring nostrils, holding of breath, and hand movements (such as covering parts of the face, differently than usual).
All of these things can indicate bluffing. Shaking is considered to be a sign of strength, expecting to win a pot. When your opponent acts really strong they are likely weak/and bluffing. Staring you down whilst you act, splashing the pot, or faking a big smile when a certain card hits are all common signs of bluffing. Watch other players to learn the tells when they're bluffing. Learn good tricks from those who bluff well. Develop the proverbial poker face.
Keen instincts and sharp intellect must be combined with the ability to show no inconsistent, or reveal nothing other than casual, fun involvement in the game. Look carefully at the corner of your two hold cards slowly/casually, keeping them face down, where only you can possibly see. Don't spill any information; so, keep your face 'deadpan,' and wear shades to have the eyes as expressionless as stone and restrain blinking and shifting nervously when you see your cards - and when the community cards are dealt each time. Avoid expressing approval or disapproval as if seeing good/bad cards (act the same way all the time as part of your poker face) - this is crucial if you're playing face to face. Consider using props/concealment.
Poker Cards Game
Cowboys in the Wild West used to use their hats to cover their faces. In the age of televised poker, novelty props such as crazy hats, spooky glasses, and fancy wear can turn a player's chosen image into a big business affiliated product. A beard, neck scarf, hoodie and sunglasses can work to cover your face, and neck. Not only the face but the neck can show tension or relaxing, a change in the pattern of your breathing or blushing/flushing.