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Casinos> Gambling Articles > Poker Tells to Improve your Game
Poker Tells to Improve your Game
What is a Poker Tell?
A poker tell is a behavior, habit or physical reaction that
gives other players at the table valuable information about the cards that you
hold.
About Poker Tells
You can learn to read an opponent’s poker tells. Just
remember that they can also learn to read your tells. Professional poker
players will often give false tells to fool their opponents at the table.
Facial Expressions
A “poker face” can give you a definite advantage at the
poker table. Professional players often wear sunglasses to hide any reaction
that might be given away by their eyes. Others wear a cap while at the table
and keep their eyes down, not making eye contact with other players. Poker pros
are famous for stare-down, but these are ways of avoiding it.
Experienced players study their opponent’s faces for nervous
twitches and other signs that may indicate a weak hand. Players that hold a
weak hand sometimes look unhappy and those with strong hands may look
confident.
The Eyes
Poker pros that know that their eyes never lie wear caps,
sunglasses or visors. Players that have high cards often look at them longer,
giving their opponent more information that is necessary. Players who hope to
take the pot may watch the players to his left for an indication that they plan
on folding. Some players will go so far as to ask about your hand. They know
it’s hard to lie to someone while making eye contact.
Trembling Hands
When your opponent’s hands are trembling, it indicates that
he has an excellent hand.
Contradiction
This is something that usually occurs with novice players,
though some pros also do it. When they have a good hand, they tend to ignore it
and act like their hand is low. When they have a low hand, they give the impression
that they hold high cards.
Voice
If an opponent’s voice level rises as he increases the
amount of the pot, chances are he’s bluffing.
Eyeing the Chips
If your opponent glances at his chips after the Flop,
chances are he’s connected. In other words, the Flop has increased the value of
his hand. Glancing at chips indicates the player is planning a strategy.
Fight or Flight
When your opponent is confronted, he may react in a way that
provokes a stimulus response. Psychologists call this response “fight or
flight.” Physical changes such as eye pupil dilation and the flexing of muscles
may occur. Your opponent’s chest may expand or his voice may rise if he is
preparing for a confrontation. The vein on his temple may pulsate, indicating a
raise in blood pressure. If a player is bluffing, he may show signs of anxiety.
If he plans on folding on the re-raise, he will usually appear comfortable with
no visible signs of anxiety.
Repetitive Betting
One of the most revealing tells in the game of poker is the
player’s betting pattern. Players will unknowingly develop certain habits
during particular situations. He may frequently fold after the re-raise or
check if he has good cards. Be alert to these poker tells. They can buy you a
great advantage at the table.
Peeking Hole Cards
If an opponent takes a second look at his hole cards after
the Flop, he is checking to see if his cards have connected. This indicates
that he has two cards of different suits.
Body Posture
Even professional poker players can give away the strength
of their hand with body posture. An erect position can indicate a strong hand.
An opponent may drop his shoulders when his hand is weak. Bluffers often lean
forward.
Chip Stacking
When you take your place at a poker table, study the way
your opponents stack their chips. Loose players often have unorganized stacks,
while tight players keep chips well organized.
Handling Chips
Poker players who are feeling nervous will often play with
or handle their chips. This is an indication that their hand is weak.
Conclusion
In order to gain an advantage at the poker table, be alert
for tells that will give you important knowledge about your opponent. Using
these tells can make the difference between winning and losing. Good luck!
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