The game of poker continues to go from strength to strength as more and more people discover the excitement of these classic games. Relaxing government regulations, faster internet speeds, and changes in culture, have all helped broaden its global appeal.
However, one of the biggest draw factors for poker players, is the games competitive edge and strategic complexity. Unlike slots, roulette, blackjack, and craps, which are all played against the house, poker is about going head-to-head with other players.
Game strategy
The game of poker has a unique strategic depth, with hand analysis and betting patterns just some of the techniques the top players use to succeed. But one of the biggest tools in a poker players armoury is the ability to read their opponents. It is an aspect of the game that combines skill, strategy, and psychology, and every poker player should learn how to master it.
What is a Tell
A poker tell is any physical, verbal, or behavioural cue exhibited by a competitor during a game. These cues or tells can be conscious or unconscious gestures and can often reveal information about the strength of a player’s hand. Tells can be powerful communicators which is why they are used by the FBI to solve cases.
Here’s our round up of some of the most common poker tells:
Eye Contact
The eyes are regularly called the window to the soul, but, in poker they are the window to another player’s hand.
Eye contact can often display confidence in a hand, but too much might be an attempt to intimidate or bluff other players. Avoiding eye contact altogether could signal a weak hand or lack of confidence in a player’s chances of success.
One example of eye contact giving away a hand, is if a player likes a flop and quickly glances at their chips, indicating that they are pleased with what they see and want to raise the bet.
Decision Time
If you are one of the many millions of people who enjoy the accessibility and convenience of playing online poker, visual tells are not much use. However, there is still information available if you know where to look.
Decision-making refers to the time a player takes to act and often reflects the quality of their hand. Quick decisions could suggest a strong hand, whereas constant delays could suggest a lack of confidence or even a potential bluff.
Betting Patterns
This is another non visual cue that can be used by online players. Paying attention to the pattern and bet size of players can often give away details about the quality of a player hand. The best way to start is by observing their betting patterns in common game situations such as:
- How do they play pre-flop
- Do they often check or fold if they miss the flop after raising
- How do they play their draws
- How do they play their big hands
- How do they play their marginal hands
- Do they tilt easily when things aren’t going their way
Chip or Card Handling
Subtle actions, like nervous chip shuffling or hesitation when handling cards, can indicate insecurity or a lack of confidence. Conversely, swift and controlled movements often accompany a strong hand. But it’s not just card and chip handling that can convey information. Some players rub their nose, scratch their ear, or even clear their throat depending on the strength of their hand.
Posture Changes
A sudden change in a player’s demeanour or posture can often suggest a shift in their interest levels. A good hand with a chance of winning is sometimes enough to make someone sit up and start paying more attention. A lack of focus or a poor posture can potentially suggest a weaker hand.
Chatty Players
Not everyone likes to talk when they are sat around the poker table. Many prefer to remain silent in order to concentrate on their game or simply in an effort not to give away any cues of their own. Players that like to talk are offering lots of information to their opponents, but the key is translating these verbal cues into useful information.
Excessive talking can indicate nervousness over a weak hand or even excitement at holding a strong hand. Some players try to use talking as a way of misleading or putting off their opponents. However, if a talkative player suddenly goes quiet on the turn of a card, that could mean they are now holding a strong hand.
Learning the Language
It is estimated that around 90% of communication is nonverbal. The way we act and behave can communicate far more about us then we often realise. Whether that’s at home with loved ones, communicating at work, or playing poker, we are all giving off micro signals.
They key for successful poker players is to observe and learn a player’s language over time, and then utilise that knowledge to their advantage.
