Live Poker Tells and Bluffing

I wasn’t going to write about poker tells and bluffing when playing live poker as I mainly play poker online. But I decided to touch on the subject (I say touch as it is a huge subject) because as a woman I actually find this subject fascinating. Even if you don’t play live it can be so useful to learn and understand about body language. It can be a very useful tool when dealing with men on day to day bases.

Poker is a game that is perfect for liars. Could this be why it has a male dominated following? A poker player lie’s in one of two ways.

By hiding their true feelings. This tends to happen throughout the game and normally referred to as keeping a poker face. To give nothing away at all.

By acting in the opposite way to their feelings. This is the bluffing bit.

Bluffing can’t be played on every hand. If you play low skill players they will be too busy worrying about their game to even notice. But the more skilled players will be watching your every move and will be noting your behaviour and patterns.

These are the most common giveaways.

Face Touching - When people lie they tend to want to want to touch their face. This is subconsciously trying to mask the lie. But also note face touching can also be provoked by boredom, shyness and anxiety.

False Smiling - There is the smile you give your husband when he gives you a toaster for Christmas. The smile is slow, lopsided and doesn’t reach your eyes. Then there is the smile when he buys you diamonds. It’s instant, symmetrical and reaches your eyes. Get my drift?

Foot Tapping – The rhythmical action shows your opponent’s favoured pace of play. This could be read as impatience to end the lie. It also could be eagerness to win if they are trapping. So watch for when they tap their foot, if it’s while others are playing.

Hesitation - If players pause too long before speaking or betting they may be preparing a lie or bluff. But they also could be new and nervous.

Crossed arms and legs – Folded arms can signal defensiveness if they are folded high across the chest this can mean aggression and challenge. Hence this is the normal pose when a couple argues.

Sweating – As adrenaline pumps faster around the body excess sweat can be produced. It could be prompted anxiety but also could mean they are just plain hot.

Direction of gaze - The eyes can give away intention. Where we look is normally where we want to be. Are they looking at the door as they want to escape or did a leggy blonde just come through the door?

This next bit is right up us girlies street. We are famous for noticing what people wear. Ask you hubby what you were wearing the night you first met and he will glaze over. If you were asked what he was wearing that same night you could probably name his outfit down to the colour of socks. (And if you can even name the colour of his underwear, keep it quiet) What people wear gives away huge clues to their personality. Not all people fall into categories and some don’t dress like their character but as general guidance this can help back up your other notes.

Power Dressers – Think designer suits and dresses. Lavish and expensive watches. Designer accessories (sunglasses) just ooze wealth.

As a player – these types are extremely competitive and are driven by the need to win. They will want to win every hand. They are already assuming a mask of sorts so bluffing wont be a challenge to them. They will probably take risks and not even flinch when they loose.

Attention Seekers - You know the ones, no taste. Bright colours, patterns and designs. Strange hair styles and colours that shout look at me. The males might wear designer and expensive trainers whilst the females sport killer heels.

As a player - They are flash and competitive but more interested with the image. Probably staying in until the end to gain maximum attention. More likely to bluff and take big risks as to them its more than the pot. If they feel they are not getting enough attention the more dramatic their routine will be.

Casual Scuff- No sense of style and look like they pulled their stained clothes straight from the wash bin on the way out of the door.

As a player – they are often impulsive and erratic in play as they work from gut reaction rather than memory or skill. They don’t posses a game plan and have a lack of planning and focus. It will be difficult to find a pattern in their pattern.

Smart Scruff - They sort of wear a suit but only half make the effort. The half hearted suit is shiny form wear. The shoes have never seen a polish.

As a player they are already trying to be something that they are not. They try to be the high flyer but at heart they are just all scruff. As they have no self control their play will be the same. They seldom learn from the game either. They will bluff but not with a poker face and their dramatics are not thought out so you will spot signs of leakage.

Casually smart - They look immaculate with maybe their tie loosened.

As a player they will be ruthless. Just as they can adapt to circumstances with their clothes so to will their game. They will have a focus like a hawk with concentration and perception. They can shift a gear in their game effortlessly. More likely to have the poker face and keep the poker face for long periods.

Casual Obsessive - Don’t get these types muddled with the scruffier. This lot have a logical and a mind and an eye for detail. They can remember cards and play in a logical but successful way. Probably excelled on the online poker so moved to live. Student style trousers with baggy t shirts. Non designer trainers and the occasional friendship band.

As a player they have highly developed logic and as well as having the ability to remember the cards but can bluff brilliantly too. Underestimate nothing and trust nothing.

Inappropriate dressers – They just don’t fit in. Smart outfit to casual occasion and vice versa. Also completely out of season.

As a player they dislike rules. Dislike their opponents or even both. Probably play an emotionally charged game because for them it’s about knowing better than anyone else. They wont follow any game plan as they of course know better and out to prove that a daring amateur can win every time.

Careful Style – You wouldn’t look twice at them as they are bland. Not fashionable and not a hint of sexiness. Everything about their dress sense will shout safe. Comfy sensible shoes. Boring colours.

As a player they will be stubborn and will avoid risk taking. They won’t do anything dramatic or impetuous. They will play their game quietly and just be boring and text book predictable

Live Poker Tells and Bluffing

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