Poker Bluffs — the Buyout
There are all kinds of ways to bluff in poker. Deceptions, counter deceptions, pretending to bluff when you’re telling the truth, it gets pretty overwhelming if you think about it for too long. In light of the many, many, ways that a poker player can be fooled, there are certain ways to keep you from being one of them. Getting to know the players that you’re with, being alert to the situation and being aware of the most common bluffs are all contributors to you not being a sucker. Let’s take a look at the buyout.
Take a look at some common bluffs, and when they come up, you’ll be more aware of what’s going on. The one that I see most is the pot buyout. This usually happens at tables where there’s a lot of checking going on, and someone decides to bet an intimidating amount to take in the pot. Many times this player will have garbage, maybe a high card or a pair. If you see this guy habitually betting after the rest of you checks, the odds are that he’s playing to get the pot, and you can eventually trap him.
Once you get a strong starting poker hand, give him the chance to try to buy the pot again, them come over the top and re-raise him. Then enjoy watching him sweat before he decides to hand over him chips.