overbluff

Overbluff is a term used in poker to describe a situation where a player bets or raises with a hand that is likely not strong enough to win the pot at showdown, with the intention of making their opponents fold. It is a form of bluffing, but one that is executed with excessive aggression or at an inopportune moment.

The concept of overbluffing is often associated with players who are trying to represent a very strong hand or to exploit perceived weaknesses in their opponents' play. It can be a risky strategy as it involves putting a significant amount of chips into the pot with a low probability of success if called. An overbluff can be particularly costly if the player is called by an opponent who has a strong hand, as the overbluffing player will lose a substantial portion of their stack.

Factors that can contribute to an overbluff include the opponent's perceived tendencies, the board texture, and the pot odds. A player might attempt an overbluff if they believe their opponent is likely to fold to significant pressure, or if the community cards suggest a strong hand that their opponent might not have. However, misjudging these factors can lead to a costly mistake. While successful overbluffs can win pots, they are generally considered a sign of poor decision-making if they are not well-timed or based on accurate reads. The opposite of overbluffing would be underbluffing, where a player is too cautious and doesn't bluff enough.