Anyone who has played poker for any amount of time will be aware of the psychological element that’s always at play. This is how seasoned players can read their opponents, and to make more informed decisions with their hands. It’s something of an art form and can take a number of years to really get right.
But knowing what the other players at the table are thinking can make a big difference in how successful you are. Keep reading to learn some of the more common tricks and tips that are used by professional poker players.
Taking A Look At Tells
One of the best ways of understanding what’s going on in your opponent’s head is by reading tells. Tells are an important part of the poker experience and can take years to really perfect.
A tell can give you an idea of whether a player is feeling confident or nervous, and this information can be used to make stronger plays. Tells can either be physical or verbal, and much of the time, the player isn’t quite aware that they are even doing it. In fact, not only can learning about tells help you read other players, but it might even make you aware of your own tells.
Eye Contact
Eye contact is one of the most common tells in poker. Typically, a player that’s feeling confident with their hand or has some experience will be able to maintain eye contact for longer periods of time. A player that’s not feeling so great about their cards is much more likely to avoid eye contact or might look away more often. Of course, it’s important to remember that a seasoned player might also use eye contact to try and fool those around them, so it’s a good idea to know the overall skill levels of others if possible.
Timing Makes A Difference
If eye contact isn’t helping much, another common tell among players it the time that they take to make a decision. In general – but not always – a player that takes longer to make a decision usually has a hand that’s worth something. The time they spend choosing what to do can often be a way for them to make sure they use their cards in the right way.
On the flip side of the coin, those players that are quick to act often have weaker hands, and know that they don’t have much of a chance, so keep watch the next time you’re enjoying online slots Australia game.
Verbal Tells
Along with the physical tells, there are also verbal ones. For instance, a player that attempts to make casual small talk at the table is usually in a relaxed position, and there’s a good chance they have a strong hand. Another tell is when a player makes a statement that is the opposite to what their hand really is to throw off their competition. Keep an eye and ear out for these kinds of tells at every game.
