Poker pros believe that most players exhibit unintentional physical clues at the table. They also watch for consistent betting patterns. Poker pro, Dan Harrington, sets his watch to change his game style of play every 15-20 minutes. Natural reflexes are thought to be easily read. When I attended a WPT Boot Camp, one of the instructors said, “Don’t look at your cards as they are dealt. Watch the other players as they pick up their cards for a reaction.” Here are four common tells.
- Casually Looking Away – Faking indifference to a big hand.
- The Stare Down – Glaring at an opponent to intimidate him while usually holding a weak hand.
- Holding Your Breath – An involuntary action when bluffing.
- Reaching – Some players will make a move toward their chips prior to their turn. They want you to believe they are going to bet.
By Howard Hian