“A tell” or “tells” are body language which has the potential to reveal information concerning the opponent’s hand. Keeping a good eye open for it is a fun challenge and something you should learn to do. It may decide the outcome of the game like nothing else and it keeps you from fidgeting. When your opponent vigorously tosses their chips during a live game, or fidgets with their chips, licks their dry lips, glances aside, or scratches behind the ear you may earn cash with systematic observation which may lead to valuable insight. Such a technique to the uninitiated may seem like black magic, but it is heavily replied upon by many professionals.

Things look different, however, online, to say the least. In fact you don’t seem to see anything at first glance. An image or photograph (not necessarily the actual player), from animated portraits to brains in vats, or perhaps just a blank is all there is to represent the players. Is it possible then to “read” online?

Primarily the speed in which a player makes his bets are the “tells” online. The first thing you have to remember is that your hand can be read online as well, even if it’s Homer Simpson with a hand of pink glazed donuts that you have uploaded as the image of yourself. To bet , raise, call, or pass you click the appropriate button when it’s a player’s turn in an online game. When it’s your turn the move can be made instantly and automatically by marking the box beforehand.

Online when a player takes a long time to “think” and then says check they are probably trying to convince you that they have good cards. A weak hand may be suspected by “pondering”. It’s as if investing a significant sum was considered. So they can have the next card for free they are actually in hopes that you will check as well. Normally a person will say check after a natural pause if he really intends to “check/raise”, and then make a raise equal to the last bet. Strength may be implied after prolonged pondering of a bet. A player suggests weakness by “wavering” while making an aggressive bet, enticing you to call.

Many of those who make immediate bets or raises are likely to have a strong hand. Deliberate aggressiveness may suggest weakness, but in many cases the situation is the reverse: the player hopes that you will be bullied into believing that he would never have raised so “rashly” if he really had worthwhile cards. It’s a trick of “reverse psychology,” a show usually meant to intimidate you into an unnecessary call.

Some players use the “check/raise” button to play what is probably a very strong hand with deceptive gradualness. When what seems like a hurried check, enticing you to make an aggressive move, is followed by a raise, beware: the check was likely a trap and the opponent’s hand is probably much stronger than you thought it was!

These mere tips may give you some idea of how to observe your online opponent’s habits and mannerisms. Take the time to observe players carefully, they probably betray other more individualized tells, especially those with whom you have been playing for a while. Some players may also try to make it impossible to guess their hands by deliberately timing their response or by persistently taking equal time to respond in all cases. For you to learn to do the same may be a good idea.

The author is a full time online poker player and makes the majority of his income from his online play and rakeback at Betfair. To sign up for a Rakeback account of your own visit Rakeback Solution.

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