Types of Poker Tells

Poker tells are behavioral cues that signal what type of hand a player is holding. Interpreting tells allows players to strategically judge opponents’ demeanors in order to gain an advantage over them. Tells can be real or fake, conscious or unconscious. Players who invest some time in learning poker tells can gain significant advantage over opponents and also realize improvements in their own game. Here’s some insightful poker tells advice that discusses a few of the types of poker tells and how to avoid them.

Chip stacking: A style of poker tell where an organized stack of chips could mean that the player is conservative. The opposite, a disorganized pile of chips might indicate an aggressive player.

Glancing at chips: This behavior means that the player is formulating a plan and that the plan is usually an attack.

Shaking or trembling hands: Indicates that the player has a good – if not superior – hand.

Rapid breathing: If a player’s chest is noticeably rising and falling, it means he has an excellent hand.

Sighing and shrugging: acting disinterested: Means that the player is overacting in an effort to hide a good hand.

Eye movement: Eye movement is perhaps the most important of the many types of poker player tells. Ever wonder why the pros wear sunglasses? It’s because a lot of eye motions are involuntary. Eyes will dilate with anger or excitement. Glancing is also covered in this tell. Players who glance at their cards and then at their chips are deciding how much to bet. If one player stares at another, he’s trying to give the impression of strength although he’s holding a weak hand.

Facial expression: Ever wonder why pros wear caps and always look downward? It’s because facial expressions often relate to the strength or weakness of a hand. Keep an eye out for excessive blinking, for veins throbbing on the face or neck. If an opponent tries to stare you down, he probably thinks you have a stronger hand. A good piece of poker player tells advice is to develop the habit of controlling, as much as possible, your facial expressions.

Acting as though the opposite is true: If a player has a strong hand, he may try to convince you otherwise by acting disinterested. Conversely, a player with a weak hand may act aggressive or raise his voice in an effort to bluff.

Posture and Body Language: Notice how an opponent sits and holds himself. If he has a weak hand, he may slump and lean away from the table. If he has a strong hand, he may sit up straight and lean in toward the table.

Understanding poker tells is a valuable skill that every player should cultivate. If you want to raise your play to the next level, you need to be able to read your opponents’ subtle physical signals, utilizing poker tells against them.