Strategy

What is Bluff in Poker? Definition & Examples

Here's a clear definition with real-hand context, plus how it connects to the rest of your strategy.

Quick answer

Bluff — Betting or raising with a weak hand to make opponents fold.

In more detail

Profitable bluffs need a credible story (your line represents a strong hand) and the right targets (opponents who can fold). Frequency matters too — bluffing too often gets you called down.

Common questions

What does Bluff mean in poker?

Profitable bluffs need a credible story (your line represents a strong hand) and the right targets (opponents who can fold). Frequency matters too — bluffing too often gets you called down.

Related terms

Check-Raise

Checking, then raising after an opponent bets.

Fold Equity

The value gained from the chance opponents fold to your bet.

GTO

A mathematically unexploitable strategy.

Range

The set of all hands a player could hold in a given spot.

New to poker? Start with our preflop strategy guide and the free TAG cheatsheet.