Sometimes situations arise which lend themselves to a bluff. Such a bluff is more likely to be successful if the correct groundwork has been laid. You hold 9ª9¨ and have called a single bet before the flop. Now the board is 10§8¨4© and you bet out. The pair of nines is quite likely the best hand. You get one lone caller and the turn bring brings forth 10§8¨4©Jª.

If you again bet it is unlikely a strong player will call. You may have a straight; you may have bet with J-9, so that X-10 is now losing; you may have A-10 yourself. The initiative is very important in poker. Moreover, even if he calls, then you can still hit a Queen, seven or a nine to win the pot. This is called bluffing with outs.

If the river is 10§8¨4ªJª3§, then you should bet again. If he calls you with a hand like KªK¨, then you have been outplayed. Say, ‘Good call’, smile weakly, fold your tents and steal away into the night.