When someone opens with a raise they are demonstrating to their opponents that they have a pretty strong hand. This raise is known in poker as the second bet. When someone raises over the top of a raiser this is known as the three-bet and the person applying the move is saying this: “I know you have a strong hand but I have your strong hand beat.”

At least that is what players used to think the three-bet signified - it signified strength and a premium hand. The modern game has evolved a lot, in particular the online arena. Most professional poker players who ply their trade online use poker software to help them make their decisions. The use of statistics and the increased presence of aggression in the game has changed the whole ideal of the three-bet.

Those using the Poker Bonus Code note that three-bets can be used to strategic effect to increase your non-showdown winnings by selecting good opportunities to three-bet bluff. In order to use the three-bet as a bluff you need a good understanding of your opponents tendencies and an awareness of your opponents perception of you and your playing style.

This is where analytical poker software and the use of a Heads Up Display (HUD) really provides you with an edge.

You can programme your HUD to display statistics on almost any part of your opponents play including their three-bet frequency and more importantly their fold to three-bet frequency. Let’s imagine your opponent opens up from the cut off and they have a fold to three-bet percentage higher than 67% then you have a profitable three-bet bluff situation if you are seating to your opponents left.

So keep your eyes peeled on betfairpoker.com, keep on your toes and be on guard for the three-bet bluff spot.