What is a Poker
Tell? A tell is any habit, behavior, or physical reaction, that gives other players
more information about your hand. The following are tips supplied to PokerTop10
by the pros, and can apply against novice or advanced players. Remember, in poker
there are many contradictions and exceptions to the rule. Also, experienced pros
will give out false tells to fool players.
1. Watch the Eyes
This is why many pros wear sunglasses or visors/caps when playing, they know that
the eyes rarely lie. For example, many players can't help but stare at big hole
cards, so their length of time peeking is longer. Conversely, if a player is looking
to steal the pot, he may look to his left to see if the remaining players, who
haven't yet acted, have quickly glanced at their cards and are likely to fold.
Another example, a player may try to ask you questions about your hand, knowing
that people rarely can "look someone straight in the eyes" while being
dishonest.
2. Facial Expression
Again, many pros try to disguise their entire face by wearing a cap and looking
downward. This is to avoid the classic stare-down that poker pros are famous for.
They may try to study your face for nervousness (detecting a weak hand), or even
look for repetitive characteristics like a body "tic". You may have
obvious unhappiness in your face when your hand is weak, and conversely, you may
show a contrasting show of confidence when your hand is strong.
3. Weak is Strong/Strong is Weak
In its most simplistic form, this usually applies to novice players but frequently
applies to pros as well. Basically, players like to be actors, and when they have
a monster hand they tend to look disinterested. For example: "Oh, is it my
turn to act" or "Oh I guess I will play these cards". Alternatively,
a player increasing the level of his voice while raising the pot, and trying to
look intimidating.. may be running a bluff.
4. Anxiety
Anxiety typically occurs in people when they are confronted, or anticipating confrontation.
Psychologists call this the "Fight or Flight" stimulus response, which
links back to the days when we were cavemen/cavewomen. Physical changes happen
including flexing of muscles, eye pupil dilation, palpitating heart rate, dry
throat. In poker, when someone has a big hand they are typically ready for confrontation
and can exhibit some of these characteristics. You may see the chest expanding
abnormally, or you may notice the players voice become slightly higher as he makes
a comment. Some of the top players in the game will stare at the vein on the top-side
of your face for blood pressure changes. During a bluff, the player may demonstrate
anxiety, but if he knows he will fold the hand if re-raised (non-confrontational
end) may look quite comfortable.
5. Trembling Hands
Also, a byproduct of anxiety, beware of a player whose hands are shaking, this
nervousness can represent a big hand.
6. Glance at Chips
Again, relating to the eyes. It is common for players to quickly glance at their
chips if they connect with the board after a Flop. This may be a subconscious
reaction, but the player is already planning his attack.
7. Peeking Hole Cards on Flop
Some players will take another look at their hole cards when, for example, the
board is showing a potential 3 card flush draw. Typically, the player is looking
to see if one of his cards is connecting, because he remembers only that the two
cards are different suits.
8. Repetitive Betting Patterns
Usually the most revealing tells are based on the way a player habitually bets
during particular situations. For example, maybe the player always checks when
he has made the nuts, or a player may regularly fold after being re-raised.
9. Body Posture/Attitude
Some players show obvious changes in their posture based on their attitude/hand
strength. For instance, you may notice their shoulders drop/slump when they are
not confident (weak hand). Conversely, you may notice the player is very attentive
and sitting in an erect position when he has strength. You may also notice that
a player who bluffs a lot, leans forward in a confrontational way... remember
Strong is Weak!
10. Chip Stacking
When you first sit down at a table, study the way the players stack their chips.
Although it is a generalization, loose aggressive players typically maintain unorganized/sloppy
stacks, while tight conservative players keep well organized/neat stacks.
