Poker Tips

Table talk can be dangerous ground, no matter what stage of advancement your poker skills have reached. When well-executed, table talk can coax, barrage, bully, or even sweet-talk your opponent out of information about his/her hand that otherwise wouldn't be given. But table talk can also be botched and expose yourself as much as your opponent. It also walks an uncomfortable line between good table etiquette and an unwelcome bullying. So unless you naturally have the gift of gab and can pull it off, it's best to save your chattering for the break between rounds.

Asking the person across the table to count their chips is a classic, and often used, example of talking to your opponent to pick up a tell. But that example usually requires very limited circumstances, usually when your opponent has gone all-in. As an alternative (which shouldn't be overused, because you'll sound stupid in repetition), you can ask what the total bet is. The question is usually directed to and answered by the dealer, but in the meantime, you can watch your opponent while discourse is taking place.

Don't rely on sunglasses to hide your expression. There are more to tells than just your face. Have several home games with friends and agree to point out each other's tells at the end of the game. Other people are able to observe from an outside perspective your body language, expressions, voice changes, posture, and betting habits.

Practice saying the words "raise" and "call". Be sure to use the same tempo and tone every time you say it. Practice makes permanent, so you should be able to carry that same even voice to the next table game.

A lot of players give away valuable information to their opponents just by looking at their hole cards too often or too long. Next time the cards are dealt, count how long you normally take to look at your hole cards. Pick a comfortable count (three seconds is a good choice) and make sure that you take exactly that amount of time every instance of checking your hole cards. Consistancy means your opponent won't know the difference between your monster hands and your bluffs.