You’ve probably seen Phil Hellmuth show an opponent the nuts, or Johnny Chan advertise a bluff – but these guys are not your average players…they’re legends!

The only time it is mandatory to reveal your cards is at the showdown, and until you too have achieved legendary status, this is probably the only time you should. If you opponent folds to a raise, showing him you had the nuts is not always going to help you. It may reinforce your image as a tight player, but it also instils confidence in your opponent. Now he knows he made the right move and doesn’t have to agonize over the hand. (Come on guys! – I’m almost sick of typing “poker is a game of incomplete knowledge” and giving away info about your play style, needlessly, is crazy!).

Advertising a bluff doesn’t always have the desired effect either. Most intermediate players know that you only showed a bluff so you could set them up – and the great players will just eat you! The next time you bluff you’ll have to think about what your opponent is thinking, based on your earlier advertisement. But he is thinking about what you think he is thinking about. Then you get into triple reverse psychology and the next thing you know your brain short circuits and you can smell burnt toast (which might be better than your usual wet dog smell).

You always want your opponents to second guess themselves, to never be sure if they were right or wrong. Inspire doubt in your opponents, not confidence, and you will have an advantage.

Kishan Neilsen

US based Kishan plays his cash game poker online at BetOnline Poker. Check out this friendly, more boutique style poker room. With less hype, but plenty of action. Online Gambling Specialists BetOnline offer some great sports and race book betting, plus popular, safe casino gaming & poker play. They’ve been around in various forms since 1991 and are well regarded by industry commentators for North American betting action.