Poker Tells Live Poker Tells Poker tells provide valuable information about your opponents, and the strength/weakness of their hand. Some of the most common tells are explained below. 1) Anxiety - Certain characteristics of anxiety usually indicate that a player has a very strong hand. These include: 2) Eye Movement - Ever wonder why so many players wear sunglasses to the table? Cause the eyes don't lie. Watch for these movements: If a player looks at their hole cards for a longer-than-normal period of time, they likely have a strong hand. Players who glance at their chips after seeing their hole cards, or after seeing the flop, have made a hand and are planning a move. An indication of strength. Persons who look to the players on their left (before acting), are usually planning to try and steal the pot.
3) Facial Expression - Look to see if your opponent looks confident, cocky, unhappy or nervous. Some players even have tics (for example, blinking rapidly), which may indicate a good hand. 4) Body Language - Always be aware of your opponents' body language. A general rule of thumb - if a player is trying to look weak, he's got a strong hand, and vice versa. Other things to watch for include: Acting uninterested in the hand - sign of a strong hand. Sighing in an obvious manner - strong hand. Staring down others - usually the sign of a bluff. Shoulders slump slightly - weak hand. Sitting up straight and very attentive - strong hand. Leaning forward or acting confrontational - player is most likely bluffing. Person holds their breath - sign of a weak hand.
5) Drawing Hands - Certain tells indicate that your opponent has a drawing hand. The two most common are checking the hole cards after the flop, to determine possible straight or flush draws, and taking a long time to call a bet. 6) Betting Patterns - Watch for player betting patterns. Does your opponent always bet if checked to him? Does he bet on the button regardless of cards? Does he see every flop?
See also: online poker tells. | 
