One of the most common problems online poker players have is bluffing at the wrong time. We have all done it – trying to bluff a poker player with pocket aces or the nuts. It feels awful when it happens, but it is relatively easy to avoid if you know the correct times to attempt a bluff. Here are the things you should look for before attempting to pull off a bluff:

when is the best time to attempt a bluff?

Weak play

The first thing you should look for is weak preflop action. If no one is raising and everybody is playing passive, there is a good chance that no one has a particularly strong starting hand. This is the first sign that you may be able to pull off a bluff. Depending on the table dynamic, it may be a good idea to put in a strong raise right away to narrow the field, and make a strong continuation bet on the flop to try and steal the pot.

Calling stations

The next thing you should look for is the presence of calling stations or lose players in the hand. If there is a calling station still in the hand, don’t even try and bluff. These players will call you with the weakest hand and will screw up your bluff. These players are easy to identify – just make sure they have actually folded before you attempt a bluff.

Weak flop

A weak, uncoordinated flop is a great opportunity to try and pull of a bluff if the field has already been narrowed. If only 2 or 3 people are still in the hand and an untextured flop is dealt, bet strong right away and try to steal the pot. If you get multiple callers, slow down on the turn and re-evaluate your plan for the rest of the hand.

There are many times when you play poker online when it is a good idea to bluff. The best way to become comfortable with bluffing is to head to your favorite online poker room, or any of the other poker sites you have an account at, and play some play money poker.
By practicing online Texas Holdem or Omaha hi at the play money tables, you will be able to implement poker tips related to bluffing and work on your poker strategy without any risks.

When you are totally comfortable with the concepts and have implemented bluffing into your online poker strategy, you can head to the real money section and start playing in online poker tournaments and other poker events for real money!