by Matches Malone

I'm here today to tell you about, well, "Tells." Those physical reactions, both voluntary and involuntary, given off in reaction to the cards in your hand, or on the board. An involuntary tell shows up in a physical reaction, either a facial tick, a jittery hand, an arched brow, or a sly smile, to name a few.

Voluntary tells are more frequent, and where the acting comes in. Acting is one of the few professions around where you're actually paid to lie. The same could be said of poker. The art of deception occurs more frequently on your way to winning No Limit Hold 'Em tournaments.

So, how can you know when your opponent is bluffing? Most acting tells can be boiled down to the following statement: Weak is Strong, and Strong is Weak. If he slams his chips into the pot, his hand is probably not that great. If he acts disinterested or relaxed, he may have the nuts. A stare down may occur when your opponent is attempting to psyche you out, as he doesn't believe his cards are good enough. If he looks away after he bets, chances are he likes his holdings.

Verbal cues are important as well. A chatty person that suddenly clams up after the flop, likes what he sees. Conversely, a quiet player that starts talking is attempting to cover something, most likely, a bluff. It may also be important to listen to what he or she is saying, as an abrupt subject change could be another indication of either a strong hand, or a cover up.

One should remember that not only he who hesitates is lost, but he who is lost, hesitates. Watch for betting patterns, and when they break. The way that someone stacks their chips may be significant. Do they keep nice even stacks? Or, are their chips stacked randomly, and without purpose? This would be an indication of a tight or loose player, respectively. Sometimes, a player will be nervous when they bet, and knock over a chip stack. This usually shows a surge of adrenaline in the body, indicating what they believe to be a strong hand. Be wary. Also, watch for players that fidget with their chips. Some will do the one handed chip stacking they just learned on tv. Although, this may be part of a routine the player has. Be observant of this tendency, and react accordingly.

Another type of betting tell comes after a poker player loses a big pot. He may not be on tilt, however, he may be steaming. Which is one step below full blown tilt. A steaming player will tend to loosen up his starting hand requirements, and start betting with everything an anything, in a futile attempt to win back the money he just lost in the big pot. These players are easy to spot, as well as the ones that continue betting after winning a big pot, falsely thinking they have achieved some momentum. It is at times like this you should remember that patience is a virtue, and there is no shame in waiting for a good starting hand.

What Else To Watch For

At the beginning of a hand, everyone is dealt two cards. My theory is, they aren't going anywhere, so, you don't have to look at them until it is your turn to act, and maybe, not even then. I look for other players looking at their cards, and the initial reaction they have. The eyes truly are the windows to the soul, and in many cases, your hold 'em hand as well. Where do they look after they see their cards? A quick glance at their chip stack may indicate they're about to bet. Most of the time, you'll see players getting ready to toss their cards in the muck, when it is their turn to act. There's that word again. However, most of the rest of the tells you'll see, will be involuntary.

Flop Sweat

There is a scene in Total Recall where an agent comes in, and attempts to convince our hero, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, that his current hero fantasy is exactly that, a fantasy. And it would've worked, too, if it hadn't been for the bead of sweat dripping from the temple of the agent, portrayed by Roy Brocksmith. In the reality of the movie, a person in a virtual reality simulation wouldn't sweat, and the agent was lying, as Arnold was indeed attempting to rescue Mars from itself.

But I digress. A demonstration of flop sweat is only slightly related to sweating after the flop. Look for players still in the hand that become suddenly interested in the board, by either leaning in, or glancing at their poker chips, as if ready to bet as I mentioned above. Conversely, someone may grab their chips before it is their turn to act. This may be an indication of weakness, and an attempt at intimidation. Do they look at their cards again after the flop? This could mean they may have paired, or, if three of the same suit come out, they have a fourth card of that suit. Rest assured, if someone has two of the same suit in their hand, they will indeed remember, and won't have to look at their hand again.

Also check facial reactions. I have a tell that I have yet to get rid of, wherein I smile when I my hand is made, although, I am working on it. Look for similar facial expressions in your opponents when the flop, turn and river hit the felt. Another subconscious act occurs when a player leans back in their chair after betting, appearing disinterested. This is generally a sign of strength. Proceed with caution. Player's hands shaking when he grabs his chips? A surge of adrenaline could be the cause, which usually comes from being excited from their hole cards. A player's demeanor may shift as they become anxious, ready for a confrontation. This could be an indication of a marginal hand. I usually ask a question of this player, attempting to bring out further tells. A head tilt to the right, or taking their eyes off of you, will probably mean a bluff. Touching of the face could be another indicator of a lie.

What Does All This Tell You?

Focus. Take in everything that's around you. Watch for patterns, both in body movement as well as betting., The above should be enough to get you started There are several more tells, however, most of these are individual to a particular player. I could let you know what they are, but of course, that would be telling.

72 and sunny in Redondo Beach.

Next time, I'll write about poker. Be there. Aloha.

Disclaimer: The above tournament tactics will probably not work in a cash game. Let me know if they do.

Matches Malone has been writing for us for a few years now, and if you'd like to contact him with your opposing views, he can be reached at Batman@azteca.net