I want to explain an act of deception with which you might not be familiar, but that may help your game. Before I do, let’s quickly review two actions that you almost surely know: the bluff and the semi-bluff.

Adding a new weapon to your arsenal can help take your bluffing game up to the next level. (Image: Outdoor Spike)

A bluff, as even non-poker players know, is a bet or a raise designed to make your hand appear stronger than it really is, with the intention of getting your opponent or opponents to fold.  Betting a board that hits a third suited card on the river, even though you don’t have the flush, is an example of a bluff. You’re representing that you hit the flush, though you did not, in the hope that your opponent will fold a hand that is stronger than yours, awarding you the pot for your deceptive efforts.

A semi-bluff is a variation on that theme.