How to Read Opponents in Online Poker
The idea of a “poker face” is familiar to most people, whether they play poker or not. It refers to what is known as a “tell” in poker. These subtle clues can give you a lot of information about what your opponents are doing. Somebody with a bad poker face will grin or smile when they are dealt a strong hand. Conversely, you can see it in their faces when dealing with weak cards. It can take a lifetime to master this skill, but poker tells are essential to learning the game.
So what happens when you can’t see the person you are playing against?
This is the issue regarding reading the table in an online poker game. Without visual access to the other players at the table, it’s impossible to glean any information from their faces. That does not mean that the idea of reading opponents evaporates. You just have to pay attention to different aspects of the game.
The following guide is dedicated to teaching new online poker players a few of the essential things to watch for when learning the habits of your opponents.
Bet Size Timing
Size may not matter in some areas of life, but online poker is not one of them. The size of a player’s bet is one of the easiest ways to get some quick information about their habits. It is the most basic and challenging step to master in reading opponents. This guide covers some essential tips, but you can find entire courses devoted to this subject for purchase online. Therefore, there is no single rule that applies to every hand. Here are the basics.
For example, a novice player will likely overbet on an otherwise quiet board. This indicates they have a good hand and lack the discipline to bet appropriately. Instead, they bet in a way that screams, “I have the nuts.” It is unlikely that a player is bluffing in a situation like this. If you have a mediocre hand, it’s probably a good spot to fold.
Be aware that some savvy players set traps using this same system. They will use large bets as bluffs that look like rookie raises on big hands. There is also a contrarian approach where players bet the opposite way. This is why you must identify the sharp players from the less skilled whenever sitting at a new table.
Instant checking
There are two main reasons a player will instantly check: both tend to indicate a novice. When an opponent immediately calls, it may suggest that they use a built-in poker software function that automatically makes bets. You can enter parameters, and the computer will bet, fold, or check accordingly. This is not an ideal way to play online poker and is something less-skilled players sometimes rely on.
If the opponent is instantly checking on their own, that indicates they know the best play is to call. Assuming they know what they are doing, this usually means one of two things. Either their hand is too good to fold or too weak to raise. Assuming that your opponent has at least a medium-strength hand in this situation is reasonable. It is also possible they are on a draw with multiple outs.
A good rule of thumb is forcing opponents to pay for the next card. So instead of following up with a check of your own, consider betting on your opponent if your hand is strong enough.
Other Tells to Watch Out For
There are minor tells to add to your repertoire once you understand the abovementioned basics. For example, some casinos give high-level players VIP status. Earning this perk often comes with a VIP icon next to the player’s name. If you see a player with this icon, assume they are a serious player with more experience than you. If you qualify for VIP status, find out if you can hide the icon in the settings.
Another indication you are playing against a veteran is the stack size they maintain. Most seasoned players constantly rebuy chips. This means they always have the maximum stack size possible. If you see a player whose stack never drops below the table maximum, be cautious and treat their bets with respect.
One last red flag you are dealing with a lesser-skilled player is how they use the chat box. Most veterans ignore the feature altogether, but that doesn’t mean anyone chatting is a target. One thing serious players seldom do is go on a rant after losing a close hand. This is behavior usually reserved for new players who don’t know better. The same goes for players who toot their horns after a big win. We recommend using the chat box only to monitor other players at the table and nothing more. The more information the opponent can learn from your chatting, the better it is for them. If you must converse, do so professionally and with a purpose.
How to Hide Your Online Tells
While you are busy learning about your opponents, they will do the same for you. With this in mind, it is crucial to play in a manner that does not allow opponents to predict your moves. How do you accomplish this?
The first step to being an elusive player is to be consistent with how long you take to make your bets. This way, other players won’t know if you are holding a hot hand or struggling to decide whether to fold a stinker. Don’t take too long, but don’t jump the gun. Find a balance that works for you and stick to it.
Another way to hide your intentions in an online poker game is to mix up your betting patterns. This may sound obvious, but it’s much harder to do than you think. An excellent way to do this is to play a hand you might otherwise fold, or vice versa, every once in a while. We aren’t suggesting you should be wrong on purpose, but rather max unusual decisions in the right moments.
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