Bluff Vortex

The bluff vortex has claimed every single poker player as one of its victims at some point or another. It is an indescribable phenomenon of sorts that sucks in players before they realize what happened.

What is the bluff vortex though? To put it briefly, the bluff vortex is when you somehow put all of your money in the pot with a bluff, but have no recollection of how or why it happened. There are a handful of different factors that can help induce the bluff vortex. One of the most common reasons for the bluff vortex is ego. The second most common reason the bluff vortex happens is simply adrenaline or disregard for what is going on in the hand. Can the bluff vortex be prevented… yes, but it will take focus and constant concentration. A simple lapse in judgment can, and will, release the bluff vortex.

What causes a player to fall into the bluff vortex?

Have you ever played at a table where there was a super aggressive player? It is inevitable that you have come across these types before, and common reaction to this type of play is frustration. The frustration then turns into anger. The anger is then taken out on the aggressive player. The bluff vortex will take advantage of this lack of emotional control. Think about how the anger would play out in the hand.

The other player has successfully infuriated you and has disallowed you to win any pots. The natural temptation is of course to try and take away some pots at any cost. This is what the bluff vortex is when ego takes over. It really doesn’t matter if the crazy player is running hot for a little as in the end he will end up losing it back anyway, but our ego says "Show him who's boss". This mentality will essentially light the fire. It is fine to be angry or frustrated, the problem stems from how you deal with these feelings. The best way to handle this situation would be to sit back and wait for a hand or leave the table; if you are able to do this you will escape the bluff vortex. If you let your emotions dictate your play you can be assured that you will lose money at a much faster pace than you can earn it.

Adrenaline is the other reason that players get sucked into the bluff vortex. While adrenaline is certainly a factor when your ego is in the way (as in the above example), adrenaline on its own can also be deadly. Maybe you are playing against a very solid tight player and get involved in a big pot. Perhaps you flopped a strong draw and bet out on the flop, he insta raises and you elect to call. The turn is dealt and you miss your draw. Now, it is clear that he is not folding, but you bet out anyway. He calls. The river misses you again. The best choice would be to give up on the hand as it is quite evident that the villain isn’t folding. The bluff vortex attacks when you bomb the river anyway, just because you can’t accept that you missed your hand.