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Emphatic betting
Emphatic
betting is a good indication that somebody is bluffing. An
example would be if somebody forcibly puts the chips on the
table to either call or raise your bet.
Sitting back in chair
When somebody sits back in their chair this usually indicates
a very 'confident' posture and a sure tell that they have
a good hand.
Watch the Eyes
This is why many pros wear sunglasses or visors/caps when
playing, they know that the eyes rarely lie. For eg. many
players can't help but stare at big hole cards, so their length
of time peeking is longer. Conversely, if a player is looking
to steal the pot, he may look to his left to see if the remaining
players, who haven't yet acted, have quickly glanced at their
cards and are likely to fold. Another eg., a player may try
to ask you questions about your hand, knowing that people
rarely can "look someone straight in the eyes" while
being dishonest.
Facial Expression
Again, many pros try to disguise their entire face by wearing
a cap and looking downward. This is to avoid the classic stare
down that poker pros are famous for. They may try to study
your face for nervousness (detecting a weak hand), or even
look for repetitive characteristics like a body "tic".
You may have obvious unhappiness in your face when your hand
is weak, and conversely, you may show a contrasting show of
confidence when your hand is strong.
Weak is Strong / Strong is Weak
In its most simplistic form, this usually applies to novice
players but frequently applies to pros as well. Basically,
players like to be actors, and when they have a monster hand
they tend to look disinterested. eg. "Oh, is it my turn
to act" or "Oh I guess I will play these cards".
Alternatively, a player increasing the level of his voice
while raising the pot, and trying to look intimidating. may
be running a bluff.
Anxiety
Anxiety typically occurs in people when they are confronted,
or anticipating confrontation. Psychologists call this the
"Fight or Flight" stimulus response, which links
back to the days when we were cavemen/cave women. Physical
changes happen including flexing of muscles, eye pupil dilation,
palpitating heart rate, dry throat. In poker, when someone
has a big hand they are typically ready for confrontation
and can exhibit some of these characteristics. You may see
the chest expanding abnormally, or you may notice the players
voice become slightly higher as he makes a comment. Some of
the top players in the game will stare at the vein on the
top-side of your face for blood pressure changes. During a
bluff, the player may demonstrate anxiety, but if he knows
he will fold the hand if re-raised (non-confrontational end)
may look quite comfortable.
Trembling Hands
Also, a byproduct of anxiety, beware of a player whose hands
are shaking, this nervousness can represent a big hand.
Glance at Chips
Again, relating to the eyes. It is common for players to
quickly glance at their chips if they connect with the board
after a Flop for example. This may be a subconscious reaction,
but the player is already planning his attack.
Peeking Hole Cards on Flop
Some players will take another look at their hole cards when,
for example, the board is showing a potential 3 card flush
draw. Typically, the player is looking to see if one of his
cards is connecting, because he remembers only that the two
cards are different suits.
Repetitive Betting Patterns
Usually the most revealing tells are based on the way a player
habitually bets during particular situations. For example,
maybe the player always checks when he has made the nuts,
or a player may regularly fold after being re-raised.
Body Posture/Attitude
Some players show obvious changes in their posture based
on their attitude/hand strength. For instance, you may notice
their shoulders drop/slump when they are not confident (weak
hand). Conversely, you may notice the player is very attentive
and sitting in an erect position when he has strength. You
may also notice that a player who bluffs a lot, leans forward
in a confrontational way... remember Strong is Weak!
Chip Stacking
When you first sit down at a table, study the way the players
stack their chips. Although it is a generalization, loose
aggressive players typically maintain unorganized/sloppy stacks,
while tight conservative players keep well organized/neat
stacks.
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