Tells and Body Language
The top poker players in the world understand that body language
is one of the most important aspects of winning. Knowing when
a player is trying to bluff you
and steel your poker chips can
be the difference between winning and loosing. At the same
time, when you decide to bluff, you must understand which
tells to avoid in order to successfully pull of your bluff.
The following is a list of some important things to remember
about tells and body language.
Acting strong when you’re weak, acting weak
when you’re strong: This is probably the most
common tell in poker. For some reason almost all players will
do this at some point. They key is to mix it up and remembering
not to overdo it. So remember to watch for this.
Remember to breathe: Often when people make
a big bluff or when they are very nervous, they are so excited
that they forget to do something very important, breath. Next
time someone goes all in on you and you notice that they are
not breathing, usually this indicates a bluff. So when you
decide to bluff, remember to keep breathing,
Eyes on the flop: Commonly when a player
has a weak set of cards, and
you notice them staring at the flop, they are normally trying
to figure out what outs they may have, or if it is possible
for them to make a hand. So when you see players starring
at the flop, this usually indicates a weak hand.
Looking away: When you notice a player looking
away it is a result of two different scenarios. Either they
are not interested in the hand because they don’t have
anything, or they have a very strong hand and want to avoid
eye contact. More often though it is a result of them having
a very strong hand. Conversely when a player stairs you down,
it usually means they have a weak hand.
Watch the hands: Keep and eye on the hands
of your opponent when they are making a bet. If you notice
that they are shaking and seem to be nervous, this is usually
an indication of a strong hand. When you are bluffing, you
are normally very rigid and keep your hands steady. So if
you see the hands shaking, get out of the hand.
Be worried: Next time you have the nuts,
be worried! Not worried of loosing, but that you will play
the hand wrong and that you won’t get paid off. Worrying
about not getting paid may make you seem nervous and may come
across that you are bluffing, and increase the odds of getting
called.
Squeeze the cheeks: Again, next time you
are holding the nuts, try to squeeze you rear end as tight
as you can. This uncomfortable position that you are putting
yourself in may convey that you are nervous about getting
called and may increase the odds of getting paid off.
Know where your chips are: Have you ever
had a great hand and in being so excited you knocked over
you stack of poker chips when
reaching for them. By the time you pick them all up you look
up and see that everyone has folded. Know where your chips
are and make sure that you don’t knock them over next
time you make a strong hand.
Keep tells quiet: Once that you have figured
out your opponents tells, keep them quiet and never let them
know that you have figured it out.
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