Learn to Read Poker Tells
Poker is basically all about making an educated guess on the value of your opponent's hand then trying to beat that hand. It entails a complex set of actions that involve bluffing and reading signs from the player's demeanor that give hints about his hand called a "tell." Poker is a game that involves analysis not only of your hand but that of your opponent's body language as well. Being aware of your opponent's tells and as well as your own is the key to winning the game. So, keep your eyes peeled on the following tells:
There is much truth to the saying that the eyes are the windows to the soul, because they reveal much about a person at any given point in time. Most people, for instance, have difficulty trying to lie while looking someone straight in the eyes. Because of this, most professional poker players wear sunglasses to hide their eyes from the glaring stare of their opponents and not from the glaring casino lights.
Look beyond that poker face. There are so many muscles in our face that it would be pretty hard to conceal even the smallest involuntary sign of apprehension such as that quiver on the lip or slight raising of the eyebrow. Many poker players realize this that is why many of them wear caps and visors and cast their faces downward to conceal their faces.
Reverse psychology and anxiety. Many poker players cannot help to act out the opposite of their hand. When they have a weak hand they try to appear intimidating and when they have a strong hand they try to look disinterested. When it comes to the bluff, anxiety may be reflected in heavy breathing, trembling hands and other involuntary reactions such as blushing caused by increased blood pressure.
Keep your eyes peeled on your opponent's betting pattern in a given situation because this is a dead give-away of his hand. For instance, he may have made it a habit to fold after being re-raised, or always checks when he has made the nuts.
Players tell a lot about their playing style from the way they stack their chips. A loose-aggressive player is generally disorganized while a tight-aggressive player usually stacks his chips neatly. The general body posture also tells a lot about the person. A player with a weak hand would generally reflect in sagging shoulders while one with a monster hand would sit erect ready for the showdown.