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Tells that Improve Your Chances of Winning
Online Poker
Tells that Improve Your Chances of Winning
You probably already know what a tell is; the habits and
little things that poker players do subconsciously that gives you information
about the cards in their hand. Your opponent may play with his poker chips when
he’s bluffing, yet not touch them at all when he has a monster hand. You watch
his eyes, his posture, his body language and listen to the level of his voice
as it rises and falls. These tells give you the knowledge of when to raise and
when to fold.
Tells are easy to spot when you‘re sitting across the table
from your opponent, but what about when you play online poker? Online play is a
totally different atmosphere than a casino or card room. You can’t see or hear
your opponent in online play. All of the traditional tells vanish in a flash
when you’re in an online poker room.
If you always use tells to help you steal the pot, you may
feel like you’ve lost your right arm the first time you play poker online.
However, if you learn the online tells, you will be back in the driver’s seat
and be well equipped to steal the pot.
Many online poker rooms have small boxes that you can check
if you want fast play. Most of the time, checking this box is a bad idea, as it
gives your opponent too much information. If you instantly bet or check, you
let your opponents know you are holding a weak hand. Though there are times
when online players will do the opposite to confuse you, most of the time a
loose player will check the box without giving it a second thought.
Online poker rooms usually limit the time you have to play
your hand. Many times it is a maximum of 30 seconds. That doesn’t give you a
lot of time to spot a tell, but it is possible. The general consensus is that
if a player takes a long pause, he has a good hand and he’s trying to figure
his play. If he takes a long pause and checks, his hand is probably only
mediocre. However, it’s always best to use caution. Experienced players are
familiar with these tells and will do the opposite to throw you off.
A frequent online tell of a player who is distracted is
extra long pauses. He may continue in this fashion yet keep apologizing. This
could indicate he is participating in multiple games, or he may be at work.
Some players surf the net or chat on instant messaging while they’re in a game.
That means they’re not playing at their full potential. Always take advantage
of an opponent’s distraction.
When you play poker at home or in a casino, some players
have the habit of talking when nervous. You’ve met people like this. They talk
a blue streak, yet basically say nothing. When you’re in an online game, watch
the chat screen. If words like, “finally,” or “what’s going on with the flop,”
appear, you may get a good indication of what’s in your opponent’s hand. Also
watch the chat screen for messages that identify newbies. Such phrases as,
“cool graphics,” or “this is awesome,” indicate the player has never been in an
online poker room before.
Raising in position is a common offline tell, but is also
seen in online poker rooms. If you’re in a blind and everyone folds except one
player in a late position, he may be out to steal the pot. If you have any
decent cards, raise. This move will often make that player fold, but if he
doesn’t, be prepared to lose. He may actually be holding good cards.
Use these tells to improve your online game and your chances
of winning dramatically. You could end up becoming a poker shark.
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