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“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.

Online, however, things look differently, to say the least. In fact, at first glance, you don’t seem to see anything. A photograph (not necessarily of the actual player) or an image of anything else – from anime portraits to brains in vats – or a blank is all that represents the players. Is “reading” then impossible 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.

Playing what is probably a very strong hand with deceptive gradualness, some players use the “check/raise” button. It entices you to make an aggressive move when what seems like a hurried check if followed by a raise. The opponent’s hand is probably much stronger that you thought it was, the check was likely a trap, so beware!

To give you an idea of how to observe the mannerism and habits of invisible online opponents, these are mere tips. Observe players carefully, especially those you have been playing with long-term as they probably display more individual tells. Responding at a persistently equal time with timed responses may be done deliberately by some players to make it impossible to guess their hands. Learning to do the same may be a good idea for you.

The author is a successful limit cash game player and has played poker full time since 2005. He currently plays poker and receives Rakeback at Ultimate Bet Poker.

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