Bluffing is a critical skill in poker, regardless of whether you’re a casual player or a professional. A well-executed bluff can turn the tide of a game, earning not only chips but also immense respect from opponents. Thanks to televised poker, many of the most audacious bluffs have been captured for the world to witness. From daring moves under pressure to shear psychological genius, here’s a breakdown of the five greatest poker bluffs in history.

#5 – Chris Moneymaker’s “Bluff of the Century” (2003 WSOP Main Event)

Chris Moneymaker’s epic bluff during the final table of the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event remains one of the most iconic moments in poker history. Moneymaker, an amateur and online qualifier, was up against seasoned pro Sam Farha.

The hand began with Farha flopping to the top pair (Q♠ 9♥) while Moneymaker held K♠ 7♥. On the turn, the 8♠ brought flush and straight possibilities. Moneymaker raised Farha’s bet, creating tension. When the river revealed the inconsequential 3♥, Moneymaker went all-in.

Farha wrestled with the decision, suspecting a bluff but ultimately folding his superior hand. This bold move was a turning point, leading Moneymaker to eventual victory. His win catalyzed the “poker boom,” inspiring countless amateurs to pursue poker.

#4 – Tom Dwan’s Monster Bet With 7-2 (2010)

In 2010, Tom “durrrr” Dwan faced off against Sammy “Any Two” George in a high-stakes showdown in London. As part of the match’s rules, the players agreed to the “7-2 game,” where winning a pot with 7-2—the weakest starting hand in poker—earned an extra $10,000 from the opponent.

Dwan, holding 7♠ 2♥, relentlessly bet against George, who had A♦ 6♣. The board brought J♥ A♥ 6♥ 3♣ 3♦, giving George a strong two-pair. Despite this, Dwan’s aggressive betting led to an enormous pot worth $162,000. George, unable to confidently call with his hand, folded, handing Dwan a huge win.

This hand exemplified Dwan’s fearless approach to poker, cementing his reputation as one of the game’s most unpredictable and dangerous players.

#3 – Dwan Bluffs Greenstein and Eastgate (High Stakes Poker, Season 5)

Tom Dwan appears again, this time bluffing two formidable opponents—Barry Greenstein and Peter Eastgate—on High Stakes Poker. Greenstein held pocket aces, and Eastgate flopped three deuces. Despite their strong hands, Dwan, holding Q♣ T♣, took control with a gutsy raise on the flop of 2♣ T♦ 2♠.

As the hand unfolded, Dwan bet over $100,000 on the turn, forcing Eastgate to fold his trips. Greenstein, faced with Dwan’s relentless aggression, also laid down his aces. In a multi-way pot against two of the best players in the game, Dwan emerged victorious with the weakest hand, showcasing extraordinary intuition and fearlessness.

#2 – Phil Ivey’s Bluff Against Paul Jackson (2005 Monte Carlo Millions)

Phil Ivey’s ability to read opponents and execute fearless plays is legendary, and his heads-up battle against Paul Jackson is a testament to this. On a 7♣ J♣ J♥ flop, both players missed the board—Jackson with 6♠ 5♦ and Ivey with Q♥ 8♥.

What followed was a relentless series of raises and re-raises, with both players attempting to bluff the other. Ultimately, Ivey shoved all-in, forcing Jackson to fold. The commentators described the play as “absurd and wonderful,” perfectly encapsulating Ivey’s brilliance and composure under pressure.

#1 – Isaac Haxton’s Bluff at the 2007 PCA

Isaac Haxton’s bluff against Ryan Daut in the 2007 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Main Event is considered one of the greatest bluffs in poker history. In a heads-up battle, Haxton, holding the weakest possible hand (3♦ 2♦), bet on a board of Q♥ 4♥ A♣ K♦ Q♣.

When Daut raised, Haxton stunned everyone by re-raising all-in, representing a strong hand. Daut, sensing a bluff but unwilling to risk it all, folded immediately. Haxton revealed his cards, leaving the crowd and commentators in awe of his audacity and skill.

Bonus Bluff – Isildur1’s Misstep (2009 WSOPE)

Not every bluff succeeds, as Viktor “Isildur1” Blom learned at the 2009 World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE). Holding K♦ 2♦, Blom attempted a bold bluff on a board featuring A♦ A♣ 3♣ against Ian Munns, who held A♥ 7♠.

Blom’s aggressive play convinced Munns to pause, but ultimately Munns called, revealing trips and winning the hand. While this bluff failed spectacularly, it showcased the high-risk nature of poker at the top level.

Bluffing remains an art that separates good players from great ones. The moments above highlight not only the courage required but also the deep psychological understanding that makes poker a thrilling and unpredictable game. Whether successful or not, these bluffs are etched into the annals of poker history, serving as inspiration for players worldwide.