When information concerning an opponent’s hand is revealed by body language this is called “a tell” or “tells”. It is something you should learn to keep an eye out for, it’s a challenge and keeps you from fidgeting as well. It also may decide the outcome of game to your favor like nothing else. Systematic observation may yield invaluable insight and earn you cash. Watch for your opponent tossing their chips vigorously in the bank, licking their dry lips, glancing aside, or scratching behind the ear during a live game. To the uninitiated it may seem more like black magic than technique but many professionals rely heavily upon it.

Things look differently online however. At first glance all that represents a player may be a blank, a photograph (not necessarily of the player) or an image of anything else. So is “reading” even possible online?

The first thing to realize is that your own hand is likewise readable online, even if it’s Homer Simpson with a hand of pink glazed doughnuts that you have uploaded as the online image of yourself. Online tells are primarily the speed with which a player makes his bets. The most basic available way to bet, raise, call, or pass in an online game is by clicking the appropriate button when it is the player’s turn. The other possibility is to mark the box of the action beforehand (bet/raise, etc), so that when it is your turn, the move is made instantly and automatically.

Online when a player takes a long time to “think” and then says check they are probably trying to convince you that they have good cards. A weak hand may be suspected by “pondering”. It’s as if investing a significant sum was considered. So they can have the next card for free they are actually in hopes that you will check as well. Normally a person will say check after a natural pause if he really intends to “check/raise”, and then make a raise equal to the last bet. Strength may be implied after prolonged pondering of a bet. A player suggests weakness by “wavering” while making an aggressive bet, enticing you to call.

Those likely to have a strong hand are those who immediately make bets or raises. Weakness may be suggested by deliberate aggressiveness but in many cases the situation is reversed. The player hopes to bully you into believing that he would have never raised so rashly if he had worthwhile cards. “Reverse psychology” is the trick, a show to intimidate you into an unnecessary call.

With deceptive gradualness, some players use the “check/raise” button to play what is probably a very strong hand. While you are enticed to make an aggressive move when what seems like a hurried check is followed by a raise. Beware, the opponent’s hand was probably much stronger than you thought it was and the check was more than likely a trap!

These are mere tips which may give you some idea how to observe the habits and mannerism of invisible online opponents. Take the time to observe players carefully, especially those with whom you have been playing for a while: they probably betray other, more individualized tells. Be aware that some players may deliberately time their responses randomly or persistently take equal time to respond in all cases, making it impossible to guess their hands. It could be a good idea to learn to do the same.

The author is a successful limit cash game player. He plays poker and receives Rakeback at Gutshot Poker from Rakeback Solution.