Online Poker Smart

Archive for the ‘Poker etiquette’ Category

Probably the most fascinating side of poker, is the psychological side thereof.  That is the non-technical part of the game and probably what makes poker such an exhillirating game. 

Tell-signs:  A tell-sign is a physical signal given, usually unconsciously, at times of stress.  This is exactly why so many Players wear sunglasses even at night in the poker-rooms – to hide their eyes.  If you could know for sure what type of cards your opponents were holding, poker would be a far more rewarding game (given ofcourse that they won’t also know what your hole cards are)  .  It might not be as exciting, but who cares when you are rich beyond your wildest dreams.  The World’s best players seem to know or read what hole cards their opponents have, even before the first bets are made.  Some of it is bravado designed to put off their opponents, but most of it is sheer skill at the reading of body language.  Professional players note every single movement, expression and heartbeat.  Sometimes quite literally since the pulse in your neck can quite literally reveal how you feel about your hand and how the deal is developing.  Once you become an experienced, top-level Poker Player you will be aware of the many indications which other players give you but you will probably not be as cognisant of every message that you are sending out subconsciously.  The best Poker players have complete control over their bodies, their breathing and their blinking.  It is important to start building your bank of information through careful observation of other Players and their tactics.

Key Psychological tells:  there are so many millions of these.  Some are more universal and some could be deeply personal to you or to a particular opponent.  Here are some key points to keep in mind when searching for tell signs:  Opposites attract – The most basic tell sign is basically that Players often act opposite to what their situation really is.  For example, when they are strong, they appear weak and vica versa.  Most commonly also it is easy to pick up this sign from less experienced players.  For example bluffs often get bet loudly and forcibly and quickly – the chips go in hard and with flair and the Bettor tries to look tough.  Players holding the nuts take a long time to bet or raise and chips are often pushed reluctantly and with uncertain moves, onto the table.  Once you notice this in action, you can almost safely, know that they are trying to be deceptive.  Most Poker players subconsciously try to cover up their actions.  The same step applies to the revelation of emotion, especially amongst those who usually stay quite poker-faced – they suddenly sit up and act interested when the flop hits the table – usually they missed the hand.  Also most often players sighing, mumbling, grumbling and generally looking sad, are usually happy. 

Eyes:  One of the simplest tells is based on the attention being paid to your betting by the other players.  If a player is looking away, or appear to be looking away from you while you are betting, often demonstrates strength since a Player with a strong hand which thinks they are winning, really does not care how much you bet since they are going to call or raise in any case.  On the other hand, a player who seems to be looking at you closely is often weak since they are planning on bluffing or fishing for the pot against the odds and they are very concerned about what you do.  They are looking out for a sign of weakness in your betting so that he can leap in with a big bluff to drive you out, or limp in to see another card.

Noise & Silence:  Noisy tables are often loose.  Everyone is having a good time and some players are just there for the sheer fun of it.  You, on the other hand, is there to win.  If a vociferous player suddenly goes quieter than usual this probably signifies a strong hand.  Beware.  This player is probably rallying his faculties to make the most of a good situation:  something they definitely need to do if they are just hanging around the pot fishing or trying to bluff you out of the pot.  On the other hand, when a usually quiet opponent suddenly goes loud and start talking, it is likely to cover the fact that he has a weak hand.  A quiet player like that is now trying to appear “normal”, relaxed and confident.  Watch out for comments which are embellished, over-emphasis of words or syllables.  Any good police investigator will tell you that anyone offering too much information, or going into too much detail, is usually trying to hide other knowledge or divert attention to another matter.  Subconsciously this is what humans do. 

Speed, staring, mouths and intimidation:  Usually Players who call very quickly (this applies to both online and at the table) usually have something, but not that good a hand.  They are trying to tell you that they are good but if they were really, they would not want to tell you now would they?    Also, those Players who, after making their bet, stare at their opponent, usually want them to fold.  If you wanted a call, you might rather want your opponent to relax.  Covering your moutf or nose is usually clear body language for uncertainty or distortion.  It is the same at the poker table.  However, this tell is often bluffed by those in the know.  Players who try to direct their intimidation at one other player is usually bluffing.  It is an ego thing and the rationale behind it is that it is easier to fold and not lose face than to call and then have to deal with a noisy, gloating opponent. 

Remember, don’t spend so much time analysing your opponent’s behaviour that you forget your own!