Showing one card with no callers on the river

[pokeraussie]

How many times have you done this when you were bluffing?

I am thinking most people don't have the self control to not show their big bluffs and they pretty much always have the goods when they only show one card... not sure though.

[jdwanchalk]

Yes, one card almost always means they had it. If they wanted everyone to think they were bluffing, why would they show one that made it look like a bluff but not two to prove it? A big hand shows two, a bluff shows two, one card is usually a big hand. Not always the case, but usually.

You'd be surprised by how many times showing one card will convince people you were bluffing, though. Like I had 83 once, flop was 88x. I had 3-bet or something pre, and I said they can pick one card for $10 (or whatever price). They picked the 3 and were sure I was bluffing. One guy doubted me and I said "what, you think I 3-bet with 83 os?" And everyone was like, yea, guess that's true.

Another good trick is this. I had QQ with diamond. Flop had three diamonds and king. I 4-bet or 5-bet shove and get fold from AK on flop. I showed non-diamond queen and they're like "so other one was Q diamond." I said "No, it was the 9s, I showed him (referencing guy to my left)."

If you pretend that you showed someone, they will often verify that they saw it (either as a pure lie or thinking they did and forgot) and it will give you all the credibility you need.

[Laurence]

I have done this 2 times.

[pokeraussie]

Yes, one card almost always means they had it. If they wanted everyone to think they were bluffing, why would they show one that made it look like a bluff but not two to prove it? A big hand shows two, a bluff shows two, one card is usually a big hand. Not always the case, but usually.

Exactly my thoughts, especially if the player already has a maniac image. If they're bluffing, why wouldn't they prove it, everyone assumes it anyway so what are they accomplishing by not showing two cards. But yeah, like you said I guess it can confuse opponents. I rarely show my cards when I don't have to but every time I have showed one card I've had the nuts or close to it and I assume most players do the same. If I am bluffing and I want them to know will show two cards with the intention of tightening up.

[alex_c]

One of my regular poker buddies, decent player, when asked to 'show it' i.e the possible bluff will always without fail show one card, chosen by the guy who asked too see. He does this so consistently that he could have a monster or FA but will always show one card.

Never met anyone who does this but i know personally if i show one card it is normally coz i had a big hand and im trying to get a reaction out of someone etc.