The Bluff:
In low limit poker, don't bother. Seriously. It's not worth it. But, if you insist, here's some sobering words on bluffing in a low limit holdem game:

> A bluff works when another player thinks you have a better hand than you actually do. Most players at the low limits tables are worried about their hands, and don't care about yours. Trying to bluff these players is not a good idea. You'll be asking "How could you call that bet with a four hearts on the board?" after they win with a black pocket pair. They'll look at you and say "Oh yeah, I didn't notice that".

> When the stakes are low, there is little to risk by calling. This is not No Limit poker, an extra bet isn't likely to scare off someone with a decent hand, even when it isn't the nuts.

You can try bluffing to "steal the blinds". When everyone has folded to you, and you are in late position, a raise will sometimes convince the blind bettors to fold their hands. this is called "stealing the blinds". Good players will recognize this ploy and may try to use it against you.

The Semi-Bluff:
An entirely different beast. It's called a semi-bluff because you are betting without a made hand. So, it's a bit of a bluff. It's called a semi-bluff because you do it when your hand can still turn into the winner.

An example is: after the flop you find yourself on the nut flush draw. You bet.

You're bluffing, since you don't have a hand, and the odds are you won't end up with one either. You're hoping to take down the pot right there. But, should you get some callers, you still at least have a chance to complete your flush and win the pot.

Semi-bluffing is a good technique to use at the low limit tables. Especially when your opponents are timid.

The Free Card:
In limit poker, and that's what we're playing, the first two betting rounds are done using small bets. The second two rounds use big bets. The technique of buying a free card involves paying one small bet after the flop so that you won't have to pay a big bet on the next round.

If you are last to act, you can use this ploy to see a free card. If everyone folds to you, you bet. Most likely some players will fold, many will call. All will remember that you bet. The turn card is shown. Everyone remembers your bet, and if they fear a raise, they will check around to you again. You check. Now you can see the river card for free.

The Check/Raise:
This technique is designed to get more money into the pot. It can also be used to take a pot down by showing your opponent respectable strength.

Simply put, when you have a very strong hand, and feel strongly that an opponent acting after you will bet, you simply check. Once they bet, when it is your turn to act again, you raise. Now, in order to stay in the hand, they must match your raise. You've pumped up the pot.

Check-raising is more effective after the turn card, once the big bets are being used.

Protect Your Hand:
After the flop, you may have the best hand but be vulnerable to drawing hands. We've seen that already.

One thing a winning poker player does is protect their hand from players on a draw by raising after the flop when possible. This makes the players with drawing hands have to pay too much to see the turn card. Either they will pay too much and see the card (which makes you money in the long run) or they will fold. So you've effectively protected your hand.