Reading Poker Tells - Ten Ways to Read an Opponent and Make More Money

5 min read
01 June 2023

You can read poker tells to learn how your opponent behaves. But you can also use this skill to watch your own body language and make sure it's not telling your secrets.

A "tell" in poker is a way of acting or a physical act that a player does during the course of playing a hand. It can be verbal, nonverbal, or made unconsciously. This type of behavior or habit can give you (or tell) information about other players' cards.

Poker players often pay little attention to what their opponents are doing at the table. This is not how to win at poker. Mike Caro, an expert on poker, states that you can make more money by taking advantage of your opponent's mistakes rather than your own. To be successful you must study and evaluate the players at the table. If you don't know which players make mistakes, it will be difficult to capitalize on them.

These are some general guidelines to help you read poker tells.

Pretending to Have a Weak or Strong Hand -As an general rule, if a player is acting strong, then he probably has a weak hand. If a person acts weak, they probably have a strong hand. Beware of players who act too aggressively during the betting process.

Physical Signs- The heart rate and adrenaline are uncontrollable reactions. You can tell if a player is excited by their hands shaking, rapid heartbeats in the throat or chest rising and falling.

Changes in MannerismAnother player with a strong hand is one who stands up straighter and puts on reading glasses. They may also finish their drink quickly or end a conversation abruptly.

Intimidates Their Opponent- A poker player who throws their chips at a player in a belligerent manner is usually weak, and tries to intimidate the player into folding a better hand.

Impatient Players- Impatience usually indicates a good hand. If they were going to fold, it wouldn't matter if the action took a couple of extra seconds.

Grabbing For Their Chips There are two interpretations of this action, so pay attention. The player who reaches for his chips aggressively (you will be called no matter what you bet) before you have even taken action is usually faking. If you see someone setting up their chips in a passive, thoughtful way (how much to raise or bet) before the action reaches him, they may be thinking about how much money they can make from his good hand. You will be tested on your ability to read poker tells.

Indifference When a player says "Oh, I suppose I'll call," he is usually hiding a large hand.

Exposing Their Hole Card- Players flash or reveal one of their holes cards to an opposing player or neighbor in order to convince them that they have a strong hand. If his hand was really that strong, he would be careful to protect and conceal it.

Stop What They Were Trying To Do – Pay attention to food eaters, candy suckers, gum chewers, and book readers. You can bet they will have a favorable poker hand when they stop doing this kind of activity.

Body language and Tics- Some poker players fold their hands or scratch their faces, cover their lips or do any number of other little things to give you subtle clues about their strength or weakness.

Even though reading poker tells may not be 100% accurate, it is still very interesting. Try to pick up as many poker tells from other players the next time you're at the table. Remember that someone is always doing the exact same thing to as you .

Poker Knowledge = Poker Skills = Poker Wins.

This website contains poker advice, poker rules, and poker strategies that a poker player must know in order to master poker skills, learn to play poker and win previous.

When I write poker articles, I aim to educate the average player. They all look the same and contain the same information when I visit other online poker sites. I want to create a poker blog that allows players to learn about all aspects of poker, not just the best poker rooms online. I hope that you are entertained, and gain useful poker information. See you at the tables.

Poker was not cool when I began playing. Poker came natural to me because my family played card games. I'm not a professional by any means. I'm just an average person like you, who enjoys playing all kinds of poker. Texas Hold'em however is my favourite. My only claim to fame is that I've played poker for many years in a variety of venues. Poker Knowledge = Poker Skills= Poker Wins. Let me leave you with the thought that "there are no perfect players, only those of humble souls who strive for perfection".

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