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Bluffing in Five Card Draw Poker

The game of 5 Card Draw is one that was practically extinct until online poker helped to resurrect it thanks in part to the mixed games movement that started in 2006. Some of you newer players to the game may be finding it difficult to determine the best ways to run a bluff in draw. Today we will go over bluffing in 5 Card Draw.

Putting Players on Hands

While you will be able to run some bluff effectively pre-draw against your opponents, most bluffs will be run after the draw. Knowing this, you should be adept at putting a player on a hand based on the number of cards that they draw.

For example, a player taking four cards is probably holding an ace. A three-card draw usually means a pair. With two card draws that were preceded by a raise, expect trips or a big pair with a big kicker.

One card draws are the trickiest, even if the player raised pre-draw. They might have two pair, or they may be on a draw for a straight or flush. If you do not have any information on the player, lean towards two pair. When a player stands pat, then it is time to get out unless you catch a hand.

Bluffing in Position Post Draw

If you are in late position, this gives you the best opportunity to draw depending on what your opponents are drawing. You can accomplish this in one of two ways. First, you can base it on what they are drawing. Assume for instance you are three-handed and both opponents draw three cards. They started with a pair at best. Should the players fail to bet after the draw, most times this means they did not improve their pair. A weak tight player may even check two large pair. Many times a bet here will take the pot regardless of what you draw.

Next, you can run your bluff based on how you represent your hand. Assume you are in position and raise pre-draw. You notice players take three cards each. At this point, you can take one or two cards, or even stand pat. Smart players are going to put you on a hand and likely will check. You can then bet and usually take the pot.

Semi-Bluffing

The most common opportunities to semi-bluff in 5 Card Draw occur when you start with four to a straight or four to a flush. When this happens and you want to semi-bluff, you will want to raise regardless of your position. Should you encounter resistance or a reraise, you know you are against a hand. Otherwise, when you draw your opponents are going to put you on two pair at worst.

This helps you in multiple ways. If they are not able to outdraw two pair or don’t make a high two pair, they will probably fold to your bet after the draw. Of course, if you hit your hand and they can beat two pair with a set or high two pair, you will extract more money from them.

Be aware that if you get caught running this type of bluff, you may not get respect for your pre-draw raises afterward. At this point, you probably want to bluff less and use the pre-draw raise to extract value.

Bluffing in 5 Card Draw is a table dependent skill. You will not be able to run certain bluffs against certain players. Consider all the information presented to you at the table to make the best move. While you cannot see any of your opponent’s cards before showdown in draw poker, players still are forced to give away information. Analyzing this information and making smart plays will lead to winning more pots and a better hourly rate.

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