Definition of Call Your Bluff
What does the term "call your bluff" mean in the world of poker? What does "calling your bluff" mean in general?
In poker, "calling a bluff" occurs when you determine that your opponent does not have a strong holding and is acting stronger than they actually are. You decide that they are "bluffing", which means that they are trying to portray that they have a strong hand when they actually don't. By "calling their bluff", you are making the determination that they are lying about the strength of their hand and putting them to the test by making a call that you normally wouldn't in that situation.
For instance, let's say that you are playing in a tournament at a local casino. With the board reading 9s-8s-2c-3c-Qd, your opponent decides to push all-in. After they push their chips into the middle, they fold their hands together and confidently stare at you across the table.
Through your time at the table, you have come to the conclusion that this player acts strong when they have a weak holding and vice versa. You look down at your hand - you have Queen-Jack for a gutshot straight draw that turned into a pair on the river.
This is not the strongest holding in this situation, though you are certain that your opponent is weak. You put him on a flush draw and you are going to stick to your read. Your opponent called bets after the flop and turn, which adds to your confidence that they were on a draw. The way that your opponent is acting leads you to believe that they did not hit a straight and, in fact, have nothing.
You decide to make the call. Your opponent shakes his head and mucks his hand. In this case, you successfully called his bluff.
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