This is a quick Holdem lesson on poker tells. In Texas Holdem, a tell is something you opponent does that gives away their hand.
Holdem Lesson On Tells #1 - Two Types
There are two main types of tells. Involuntary and voluntary.
Involuntary tells are the good ones that you want to pick up on. They can help you win by providing you with extra information. These are things players do but they don't know they are doing them.
Voluntary tells are the bad ones that you don't want to be tricked by. Good players will fake an involuntary tell, hoping you pick up on it and act like they do. Don't be fooled. If you think someone is doing a tell on purpose you need to use reverse psychology and double back what he's doing.
Holdem Lesson On Tells #2 - Watch Faces
Watching peoples faces is the best way to get an idea of whats going on. Its basically a large part of all you need:
- watch their eyes
- what they look at
- if they squint or not
- if they widen their eyes
- wrinkles on their forehead
- or brow
- or chin
- looks of concern
- little smiles
- etc.
Holdem Lesson On Tells #3 - Body Language
How people sit and move is the second largest tell. They can be harder to read and more subtle but still helpful:
- leaning forward
- relaxed back
- shoulders hunched
- chest open
- shaking hands
- fists and/or tension
- fidgety/too much movement
- fast or speedy betting
Holdem tells are a great secondary strategy to utilise to get the one up on the opponents. This quick Holdem lesson covered the basics of poker tells.