Semi-bluff
A bet with a draw: it wins at once if they fold and can still make the best hand if they call.
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- What it means
- A semi-bluff is a bet or raise with a hand that is probably behind now but has outs, such as a flush draw. A pure bluff has no such outs.
- How it is calculated
- It has two ways to win: fold equity now, and the draw's own equity when called. That second part means it needs fewer folds to break even than a pure bluff of the same size.
- Worked example
- You bet 10bb into 10bb with a draw that wins 35% of the time when called. Called every time and with no more betting, it makes 0.35 × 30 − 10 = +0.5bb, so every fold is extra.
- Why it matters
- Draws are the natural hands to bluff with, because they are rarely drawing dead when the bluff is called.
Lessons that teach it: A bet with a draw wins two ways, Building a check-raising range, Betting again on the turn · lessons other than the free one need an invite
See also: Bluff, Fold equity, Draw, Bluff break-even