Poker Tips from Bodog.com: Semi-Bluffing Let's turn our attention to a very solid play you can make on the flop called semi-bluffing. Here you bet on a weak hand, hoping everyone else will fold and you will win the pot right there, but if you are called you still might win. Good examples of hands to semi-bluff with are second pair with a strong kicker, an inside straight draw or a small pair with a draw (Ex. You: Ac-4c, Flop: Kc-8c-4d). A semi-bluff is best made from early position, as are all bluffs, to show strength. If everything goes according to plan, your opponents will fold, if not you have a fighting chance. In most cases it is better to make a semi-bluff rather then just checking and calling if you have no reason to fear a raise. You want to be the aggressive one if you decide to play. If you are in last position and have the luxury of giving yourself a free card, it is usually correct to do so and pass on the semi-bluff to avoid being check-raised. There are many advantages of integrating the check raise into your strategy. If opponents call you and you do make your draw it will be hard for your opponents to read. They will put you on a made hand if you raised on the flop, not a draw. This will be very profitable for you on the later betting rounds, when the bets double. Also, if you semi-bluff on the flop and get no help on the turn, it is likely that opponents ahead of you will check to you. You have effectively given yourself a free card by semi-bluffing on the flop. Lastly, by semi-bluffing you use your cards and situations to randomize your betting patterns to your opponents. This is a very important step in keeping your opponents guessing about your play. And, the best part about a semi-bluff is even when you get caught you can still win if help comes on the turn or river.