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Picking Up Tells
By Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi
The first thing I look at is an opponent's chest to see how fast he's breathing, because that indicates how fast his heart is beating. You have to study your opponents for the first hour at the table to determine whether an increased hear t rate is more likely to indicate a bluff or a strong hand, because it could mean either.
Pay attention to the way a guy shuffles and cuts his chips. Is he suddenly using a different hand than usual? Does his body language seem different than normal?
It's good to talk to a player to try to gain information. Play close attention to how they respond to what you tell them.
Betting patterns are very important, but you have to pick up a pattern. Every player plays differently. Maybe an opponent likes to check raise the flop with nothing, or bet into you on the flop with nothing, but as soon as you pick up the pattern, you'll pick up tells. Study every single player as much as you can. Always stay focused.
Don't look at your cards until it's your turn to act; not only do you get the chance to
study your opponents this way, but you're also less likely to reveal anything about
your own cards.
I find that if players look down and avoid eye contact with you they may be bluffing. I feel generally if they look at you directly they actually have a hand.
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