Body language which has the potential to reveal information concerning the opponent's hand is called "a tell" or "tells" - and you had better learn to keep a good eye open for it: it's a fun challenge; it keeps you from fidgeting, and it may decide the outcome of the game in your favor like nothing else. In a live game, when your opponent vigorously tosses their chips into the bank, fidgets with their chips, licks their dry lips, glances aside or scratches behind the ear systematic observation may yield invaluable insight and earn you cash. To the uninitiated such technique may seem like black magic, but in fact many professionals rely heavily on it.
Things look differently online however. At first glance all that represents a player may be a blank, a photograph (not necessarily of the player) or an image of anything else. So is "reading" even possible online?
You must realize that online your own hand is likewise readable, even if your online image is Homer Simpson with a hand of pink glazed donuts. The speed with which a player makes his bets is the primary tell online. Clicking the appropriate box to raise, call, or pass when it's a player's turn is the most basic available way to bet. The box can also be marked beforehand (bet/raise, etc.) so that the move is made instantly and automatically when it is your turn.
Online "pondering" may mean a weak hand: when a player takes a long time to "think" and then says "check", they are probably trying to convince you they have good cards when they don't in reality. It's as if they were considering investing a significant sum. Actually, they hope you will check as well, so they can have the next card for free. When a person really intends a "check/raise", they will normally say check after a natural pause and then make a raise equal to the last bet. A bet after prolonged pondering implies strength: making an aggressive bet, the player suggests weakness by "wavering" for a while, enticing you to "call."
Those likely to have a strong hand are those who immediately make bets or raises. Weakness may be suggested by deliberate aggressiveness but in many cases the situation is reversed. The player hopes to bully you into believing that he would have never raised so rashly if he had worthwhile cards. "Reverse psychology" is the trick, a show to intimidate you into an unnecessary call.
With deceptive gradualness, some players use the "check/raise" button to play what is probably a very strong hand. While you are enticed to make an aggressive move when what seems like a hurried check is followed by a raise. Beware, the opponent's hand was probably much stronger than you thought it was and the check was more than likely a trap!
These are mere tips which may give you some idea how to observe the habits and mannerism of invisible online opponents. Take the time to observe players carefully, especially those with whom you have been playing for a while: they probably betray other, more individualized tells. Be aware that some players may deliberately time their responses randomly or persistently take equal time to respond in all cases, making it impossible to guess their hands. It could be a good idea to learn to do the same.
The author has played poker full time since 2005 and makes the majority of his income from online poker. He currently plays poker online and gets RakeBack at Paradise Poker.
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