Tells and Don't Tells

Learning about tells helps you two-fold. Obviously, you'll be looking for them in a game to give you further information to make an informed decision. But beyond that, once you're aware of them, you'll be able to stop yourself from making these very same blunders.

I'm not talking about a little home game, but if you're playing in a tournament with REAL players, my guess is about half of them are looking for tells , like your very own Very Josie. They won't help during every hand, but certainly WILL help during critical decision making.

If you look for them, there are many, many other tells out there; indications of what your opponents have. It's information and remember information = power if you know what to do with it.

Let's look at a few, shall we?

Shaking/Trembing hands - this is usually a sign of a monster hand, and you'll notice the trembling before and during the bet. That's the time to look for it. It's also the time to watch YOUR OWN hands. If you've got a monster hand, keep those hands busy by holding a drink or keep them outa sight. They'll have to make an appearance when your chips have to go in the pot, but remember - keep it to a minimum. If you notice the slightest shake, stop futzing with your chips. Other people will notice too.

Ditto for Deep breathing/Heaving Chest. When you notice someone's breathing and it's noticeable because it's a little harder than normal (like whenever Jew Boy has a hand) that fucker ain't bluffing. Like I said it's more information and information is key.

Speech giving: When someone starts to tell you a story about why they're betting what they're betting. They're trying to mislead you. How mean! What ever he's saying just remember, if it's a speech, it's a lie.

For Example: If someone is saying "Oh gosh, I don't even know why I'm in this hand. I guess I'm shortstacked and I better call/raise/go all in. The player's hand is strong.

Conversely: "You better watch out - I've been waiting for this hand all night. I raise to a gazillion times the blind." He ain't got shit - well he may have a little something, but doesn't want a call - that's what you need to know.

Waiting for Attention: There's usually some chatter at the table between hands. When the dealer is shuffling and dealing, players will talk about the previous hand, the hot waitress, whatever. This is a usual occurence and it takes a little time for the chatting to fade.

When a player gets a great starting hand, he'll wait until it's quiet before announcing his bet - even if that bet is a standard 3x the blind. Almost like a teacher standing in front of a class, waiting for silence before she gives her first lesson.

That player is DYING to teach YOU a lesson and wants the table's attention. This is a subtle tell and not super easy to spot but once you see it a few times you'll get familiar with it. What I like about it is "Mr. Sunglasses" doesn't even realize he's giving you a tell. Try it.

It's practically fool proof - perfect for College Boyz.

Play Smart.

Josie

Comments

dbcooper said…
I have picked up a tell from one of the better players I play with with. When he has a real good hand he has t shake of the head like saying gee I really shouldn't be in this hand. I picked it up a few weeks ago and have seen it twice since then. All times he had the NUTS or close to it. Might save me some chips in the future.

Popular posts from this blog

Dogs Are Vermin

Like Kissing My Sister.....

Upset