A semi bluff is an aggressive play without having a real hand. The only difference between a semi bluff and a regular bluff is the semi bluff has a chance to improve – an example would be putting a bet out on the flop when you have a flush draw.

Semi bluffs are very powerful plays in no limit and are especially useful in the smaller stakes games against less sophisticated opponents. They are best used when you have position on your opponent(s) so that you can keep them guessing.

A semi bluff can be a regular bet or it can be a raise of someone else’s bet. There are several advantages to using a semi bluff:

1. They can improve to become made hands
2. They can get folds out of other players
3. They can improve your lag (loose-aggressive) image; getting more action for you
4. They can disguise your hand
5. They can start building a big pot for the times you do hit
6. They can be used to get free cards

If an opponent is placing a continuation bet after having raised preflop, a semi bluff raise can put them into a very difficult spot if he or she doesn’t have a strong hand – especially if that opponent knows you’re capable of tricky plays.

Semi bluffs work best on the flop but they can be used sparingly on the turn as well. The disadvantages of waiting to semi bluff on the turn are that you lose your chance at getting a free card and opponents will have stronger hands on average if they are still around on the turn – making a semi bluff riskier. Additionally the average pot size will be bigger on the turn which will make the bluff more expensive.

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