Semi-Bluff Opportunities?

[silverfist]

I'm wondering what hands people generally like to semi-bluff with. OESD and flush draws are obvious, but Sklansky suggests that mid- or bottom-pair with an overcard is a good opportunity. Also, he suggests gutshot straights with overcards and backdoor flushes with overcards. He also says it's better to semi-bluff with overcards when one is not an ace, since an ace is likely to have made someone else two pair. Which ones do you like best?

[ilikeaces86]

I like overs plus a flush draw or an open ended straight flush draw.

[gabe]

the draw isn't as important as the situation

[Scuba Chuck]

My favorite kind of semi-bluff opportunities are when there's a bunch of dead chips, and I have 50% pot equity. Of course, that's not really a semi-bluff, but in reality, I don't have a hand at the moment.

Here's a great example:

KK v Ac7c

Flop: 8c6c5d

At the moment, I have ace high. But if you run this situation through pokerstove, I actually have 62% pot equity. Meaning, I am ahead here, with my ace high. This is my favorite semi-bluff. Of course, it's not really a bluff.

To give you a real answer. My favorite semi-bluff is when I have 10 (or more) strong outs and 2 cards to come. The most common situation for that is when you have AK on a TJx flop (or QJx, or QTx). Of course, there has to be a bunch of dead chips worth semi-bluffing for as well.

PS: I voted other. I would have voted combo, but it wasn't there.

[Eric]

I voted flush draw. I love it when I'm suited and 2 come on the flop giving me 4 to a flush.

[WONDERBOY]

Flush draws & open-ended straight draws, or even better BOTH.

Betting these hands helps conceal the fact that you're on a draw. If you bet the right amount you're basically saying "I've made a hand, have you?" and if thy're also on a draw or have made mid pair or top pair with a weak kicker often they'll fold, if not, you can really sting them if you hit your out. If not you may try to bluff them or see 5th street for as cheap as possible (this is where I usually turn into a chicken).

[drmcboy]

and every one likes the easiest draw to spot...