The Best Bluff in the History of Poker

There have been many impressive bluffs throughout the history of poker, so it's difficult to definitively say which one is the "best." However, there are a few bluffs that are often cited as some of the most memorable and impressive in poker history:

"The Grand Bluff" by Jack Straus

In the 1982 World Series of Poker Main Event, Jack Straus was down to his last chip when he made an incredible bluff that allowed him to come back and win the tournament. After going all-in with a weak hand, Straus pretended to toss his remaining chip into the pot but actually kept it hidden in his hand. When his opponent turned over what he thought was a winning hand, Straus revealed his hidden chip and went on to win the tournament.

"The Triple-Bluff" by Antonio Esfandiari

In a 2009 episode of the television show "Poker After Dark," Antonio Esfandiari made an incredible triple-bluff against fellow poker pro Phil Laak. Esfandiari started by raising the pre-flop with a weak hand, then continued to bluff on the flop and turn, even though his hand had no chance of winning. Despite Laak having a strong hand, he eventually folded on the river, and Esfandiari showed that he had been bluffing the whole way.

"The $2 Million Bluff" by Jamie Gold

In the 2006 World Series of Poker Main Event, Jamie Gold made a massive bluff against Paul Wasicka in a critical hand that ultimately helped him win the tournament. With a weak hand, Gold raised aggressively and continued to bet big on every street, eventually forcing Wasicka to fold what turned out to be a better hand. Gold's bluff was particularly impressive, given the high stakes of the tournament and the size of the pot he was playing for.

"The Ace-High Call" by Dan Colman

In the 2014 Big One for One Drop tournament, Dan Colman made an incredible call with just an ace-high hand against poker legend Daniel Negreanu. In hand, Colman raised pre-flop with A-5 offsuit, and Negreanu called with 8-6 suited. The flop came Q-J-6, giving Negreanu a pair of sixes. Both players checked, and the turn brought a 3. Colman bet, and Negreanu called. The river was a 7, completing a straight for Negreanu. Colman bet again, and Negreanu raised. Colman then made an incredible call with just an ace high, correctly reading that Negreanu's raise was a bluff.

"The Semi-Bluff" by Phil Ivey

In the 2005 Monte Carlo Millions tournament, Phil Ivey made an incredible semi-bluff against Paul Jackson that helped him win the tournament. On the hand, Ivey had Q-9 of hearts and raised pre-flop. Jackson called with A-9 offsuit, and the flop came Q-10-6, giving Ivey top pair and Jackson an open-ended straight draw. Ivey bet, and Jackson called. The turn was a 7, completing Jackson's straight draw. Ivey then made an audacious move and bet all in, representing a much stronger hand than he actually held. Jackson thought for a long time before eventually folding, and Ivey won the pot with just one pair. This bluff helped Ivey win the tournament and solidified his status as one of the greatest poker players of all time.

Of course, there are many other great bluffs in poker history, but a few are often mentioned as some of the most memorable and impressive.