[cnfuzzd]

i think even under the "old" way of thinking, your example of betting a sf into several players wouldnt be a semi-bluff, but instead a value bet, or at least a semi-bluff-value-bet. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Also, i think its not the two terms that are confusing you, but the fact that you are now thinking as an expert would think. I am confident that Sklanksy, when describing the semi-bluff, was ascribing all off the characteristics you are listing for your "positive pot equity" (perhaps showdown value would also be an acceptable term.)

Also, remember the semi-bluff is usefull across a spectrum of game conditions, from the very tight to the very loose, yet its use must be tailored to each individual instance of betting. Yet, all those bets are semi-bluffs. When you flop and OE straight-flush draw, and bet it into a field of 6 loose passive players, you are semi-bluffing, as you dont mind picking up the pot right there, but if called you certainly have plenty of ways to improve. Similairly, if you are in a moderatly tight, somewhat aggressive game, and after raising your AKs in UTG+2 after a single tight limper pf, you bet into a 3TQr flop, you are semi-bluffing. The tight limper likely has a better hand than you, given his utg limp probably a pocket pair or maybe some sort of middlin' connector which hit, but you are representing the best hand. IF you pick up the pot, great, if not, you certainly dont mind calls in that you are likely drawing clean to a better hand.

Also, remember that a semi-bluff is any bet that is made without the best hand that hopes to pick up the pot then and there, but is made with a hand that is drawing live if called.

Finally, remember why you are semi-bluff-raising with bottom pair with an overcard kicker and backdoor draw. You are buying outs, or perhaps trying for a free card, or even trying to earn a cheap showdown with your marginal, but possibly best, hand.

Rarely should any action taken in poker have one purpose. The best players are able to get all sorts of utility out of every single action that they take at the table. Thinking such as yours shows that you are considering all the reasons of why we do things. Sometimes we get so caught up in our loosey-goosey party games that we forget that there is a whole other world of poker out there that doesnt feature an average of five people to the flop. The skills we are learning here are usefull there too, so long as we learn not just how to use them, but also why we are using them.

peace

john nickle