Online Tells

Online poker demands different skills than live poker.

The biggest difference between the two playing forms is the possibility to spot tells in other players. In live games you have to study your opponents’ every move – how do they act when they have a strong hand, and how do they act when they are bluffing.

A tell can be pretty much anything, but a general rule is that when a player tries to imply strength he’s actually weak, and vice versa.

When you’re playing online poker you don’t have the benefit of seeing your opponents. However, there are still ways to estimate the strength of their hands. The way they check, call, bet and raise, and the speed of their actions are crucial factors that have to be considered.

There are many strategies players use to maximize their winnings in online poker games. The examples below are some of the most common online tells:

Signs of weak hands:

Your opponent’s action: Check-call on the flop followed by bet on the turn. This is often a sign of a drawing hand that didn’t hit. Your opponent might be attempting a semi-bluff.
Your reply: Raise, regardless of what cards your holding. This tactic will be profitable over time.

Your opponent’s action: Instant call of your bet. This is a classic way to imply strength. Most likely your opponent is holding a mediocre hand. He or she might be on a draw as well.
Your reply: Keep putting pressure on your opponent by betting in the upcoming betting rounds.

Your opponent’s action: Delayed check. Another classic way to imply strength (your opponent wants you to think that he or she will make a check-raise). You should suspect drawing hands in these situations.
Your reply: Put pressure on your opponent by betting.

Your opponent’s action: Instant check, with the help of the “in-turn”-button. This player is obviously not very interested in the hand.
Your reply: Bet. Your opponent will probably fold.

Signs of strong hands:

Your opponent’s action: Instant raise on the river (or turn). Your opponent probably has a strong hand but wants to make you think that he or she is bluffing.
Your reply: Fold, unless you have a really strong hand.

Your opponent’s action: Delayed bet. This is a classic way to imply weakness. Your opponent is hoping that you will call or even raise.
Your reply: Fold, unless you have a strong hand.

Your opponent’s action: Delayed call. Another way to imply weakness. Your opponent might well be slow playing a really strong hand.
Your reply: Act carefully in the upcoming betting rounds. Be prepared to fold.

For more information about how to play the players see Pokerlistings.com.