Odds and mathmatical reasoning are not the only factors at play in online poker. There is another level that is strictly psychological. Three of the main deceptions use during an online poker hand are; bluffing, semibluffing, and slow playing.

Bluffing is a common trick, but must be utilized at a particular time and place. Bluffing is much more effective in a no-limit game, where a player’s risk is not limited by bet limits. It is also more useful at higher stake games. Whereas in a low stake online poker game players are much more likely to go to a showdown, and are less apprehensive about making high-risk calls. You will be most successful with your bluffs if you try and represent something that is on the board. For example, raising with a high card showing on the flop represents a high pair, and raising when there is a straight draw tells your opponents that you might have a straight.

A semibluff is a bluff that has a bit of merit to it. You may have a weak hand, but you also have a shot to hit a straight or a flush, giving you a very strong hand. If your looking at a pretty good draw, a semibluff could be used to win the pot by scaring opponents away, or loading the pot if you catch your draw. Semi bluffs can be very effective, if used properly, in most no limit online poker games.

Slow playing is a technique used to disguise a very powerful hand . Manipulating people into thinking you have a weak hand will ensure nobody will be scared away too soon. Slow playing is only going to be effective if there is almost no chance of someone getting a better hand. As the turn and river comes. keep in mind that these cards may be able to strengthen your opponents hands. As long as you have those beaten, feel free to jack up the pot as rounds progress.

Using these deceptive moves in online poker will help strengthen your game and bankroll.