A tell is any habit, clue, behavior or physical reaction, which gives other poker players more information about your hand than they should have. It is important to remember that in poker there are many contradictions and exceptions to the rule. Also keep in mind, experienced pros will give out false tells to fool players.
EYES
Many pros wear sunglasses or visors/caps when playing beause they know that the eyes rarely lie. For example, many players can’t help but stare at big hole cards, so their length of time peeking is longer. While at the same time, if a player is looking to steal the pot, he may look to his left to see if the remaining players, who have not yet acted, have quickly glanced at their cards and are likely to fold. Another example, a player may try to ask questions about your hand, knowing that people rarely can “look someone straight in the eyes” while being dishonest.
FACE
Many pros try to disguise their entire face by wearing a cap and looking downward all the time. This is to avoid the stare-down that poker pros are so famous for. They may try to study your face for nervousness, or even look for repetitive characteristics like a body “tic”. You may have obvious unhappiness in your face when your hand is weak, and conversely, you may show obvious confidence when your hand is strong.
WEAK IS STRONG AND STRONG IS WEAK
This usually applies to novice players but frequently applies to pros too. Basically, players like to be actors, and when they have a monster hand they tend to seem disinterested. For example:
“O, is it my turn to act” or “O I guess I will play these cards”
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While, a player increasing the level of his voice while raising the pot, and trying to look intimidating may just be running a bluff.
ANXIETY
Anxiety typically occurs in people when they are confronted, or anticipating confrontation. Psychologists call this the “Fight or Flight” stimulus response, which goes all of the way back to the days when we were cavemen and cavewomen. Physical changes happen including flexing of muscles, palpitating heart rate, eye pupil dilation and dry throat. In poker, when someone has a big hand they are typically ready for confrontation and may exhibit some of these characteristics.
HANDS
Another byproduct of anxiety, beware of a player whose hands are always shaking, this nervousness can represent a big hand.
