Poker Tells
It is also important for a player to be aware of their own habits to make sure they are not giving off any secret-revealing signals. Most common tells can be found in a book by Mike Caro, entitled, Book of Tells in which he categorizes tells as: acting tells, where players usually want to show something that is actually opposite to reality, and non-acting tells, over which they have little or no control. Acting tells can include such things as trying to show weakness when they are strong, such as a sigh or shrug. They can also attempt to show strength when weak. Non-acting poker tells can include a shaking hand or looking down at chips. Reading (and using) tells are key skills that come with experience. They are valuable in the world of poker and are essential for success. As a general rule, the acting tells are opposite tells; weak behavior means an opponent is strong, and strong usually implies weakness. A critical skill then is not only identifying tells but knowing the difference between those that are acted and those that are not. Perhaps the best approach to poker tells is to list and describe some of the most common. • Acting indifferent or uninterested in a hand – Usually means the player really has a strong hand. • Shaking Hands – Be careful here. You need to decide if its acting or not. Acting means a strong hand; non-acting means no control and nervousness. Watch for movement as the bet is placed. • Rapid Breathing – Similar to shaking but harder to control. Some players are good at faking it with a moving chest, or audible breathing. Most cannot however, as excitement levels rise. • Sighing and Shrugging – Generally outward signs of acting. Consider opposite meaning and intentions. • Staring Down Others – Usually a false sign of strength and indicates a weak hand. • Holding one’s breath – a sign of inexperience, especially when bluffing. • Checking cards – if checked with 3 or 4 cards of one suit, could indicate they are checking the suit of one of their cards to see if they have a flush or are on a flush draw. Others, such as asking for clarification, excessive rudeness or even being too polite, as well as choppy or abnormally smooth conversation, can all be signs that a player is bluffing or is at least has an ability to create false tells. The best approach is to be careful, relax and take a reader’s approach. Take your time, evaluate, decide, act accordingly, and learn from experience. The best way to practice is to watch games of poker with the goal of deciding if a player has a strong or a weak hand. Even play poker with more emphasis on reading people than playing your own cards. This will help teach you what to look for and how to read people. If you can read people and you have a solid poker strategy, then you will be a very strong poker player.
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