Psychology of the Poker Card Games

Being a good poker player requires a variety of skills, not the least of which is being a good psychologist. Tells are the habits and quirks that let players know when their opponent is bluffing or holding a strong hand. Tells reveal different things for different players. Some people play with their chips when they are bluffing and others when they have a good hand. As you play more often, you will become a better interpreter of tells. Try to notice any tells that you might be exposing yourself. It’s harder to pick up on your own behavior, but remember that just as you are watching other players, other players are watching you.

HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF CLASSIC TELLS:

• CHUCKING CHIPS: If a player throws the chips into the pot with an exaggerated motion, he is probably putting on an act to appear confident.

• HIDING THE GOODS: Often when players are cover- ing or “guarding” their cards, it means they’ve got something good.

• CAN’T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU: By staring at thei cards, players try to deceive other players into thinking theyve got a great hand.

• SIT UP STRAIGHT: If a player has good posture, it might just mean a good upbringing. But players subconsciously sit up straight or lean forward with strong cards.

• AND THE OSCAR GOES TO. . . : Overacting, particularly among novice players, is a common way to try to fool other players. Someone with a good hand might act unusually quiet, while someone with a bad hand might act overly elated. However, if the person seems genuinely happy, he or she probably has good cards. With a strong hand, players tend to relax and let their true emotions show you just have to know what to look for.

• “ARE YOU LOOKING AT ME?”: Actually, if a player is looking away from the table, he might be feigning indifference and have a good hand. Players with good hands often don’t like to call attention to themselves.

• PUTTING YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH ISN’T: Occasionally players with good hands will subconsciously cover their mouths when betting.

FEELING STRESSED?: Anxiety can come out in poker through shaky hands, a high voice, and even an expanding chest.

• “NEVER COUNT YOUR MONEY WHEN YOU’RE SITTING AT THE TABLE”: People who start fingering their chips are often planning their attack. This “ThE main reason people fail could be a sign of anxiousness.

• DON’T PEEK: Players who habitually look at their hole cards are often still working to improve their hand. the!j could—in poker and in

• CHIP ARCHITECTURE AND THE FRANK LLOYD WRIGHTS OF POKER: While it is hardly a science, aggressive players tend to have loose stacks of best game always.” disorganized chips while conservative players often —Mike Caro, keep their stacks nice and tidy.

More poker tells at Top3poker.com - Major pro poker players site.