Hold’Em – Understanding Online Tells

A tell is usually associated with an offline poker game – this is where you can read your opponent by analysing their body language, amongst other things. But did you know when playing online you can also get valuable reads on your opponents?

Top Online Tells
1. Speed of Reaction – How long does opponent normally take to make a decision. Do they normally act fast, and are now deliberating longer? Be aware very fast play, may just mean they have auto-played(players can often make a decision before it’s their turn in many online poker rooms, by checking the relevant box).
2. Size of Bets – How much do they raise by? Are they raising by more or less than usual? A big raise may be a ploy to get you to fold by scaring you, and they are bluffing. A small raise may be a trap, as they are inviting your call, so they can check-raise you, by which time you’ll realise your beat(and lost valuable chips).
3. Chat – Watch the chat box for anything relevant, and especially to spot players on ’tilt’ – i.e. players who are complaining at a bad beat or cursing their luck, may play the next hand recklessly.

Remember the REVERSE – Don’t let others read you!
Use these tips to spot tells, but also not to give away any of your own – be consistent with your reaction speed, be consistent with your raises, and don’t give anything away in the chat. This way opponents can’t put you on any hand.

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