Do You Know These Top 5 Tips for Spotting Online Poker Tells?

Calum Grant
Senior Editor & Live Events Executive
3 min read
How to Read Poker Players When You Play Online

In the dynamic world of online poker on WPT Global, mastering the art of strategic gameplay requires a keen awareness of various player behaviors and subtle indicators. This article delves into a comprehensive guide, combining insights from diverse sources to provide seven tips for astute players looking to spot online poker tells and gain a strategic advantage.

Stack Size and Auto-Rebuy

Did you know that the dynamics of stack size and the employment of the auto-rebuy feature unravels valuable insights? Regulars, always bu-in for the maximum. On the other hand, recreational players may choose a random, smaller buy-in.

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Posting a Blind Out of Position

The method by which players post blinds unfolds as a subtle yet powerful tell. Discerning regulars patiently wait for their turn to post blinds, while the impulsive act of posting them immediately upon joining the table is a characteristic of recreational players. Patience becomes a virtue in the poker realm, and avoiding the premature posting of blinds signals a commitment to strategic seriousness.

Differences Between Online and Live Poker

Chat Box Tells

Despite the general discouragement surrounding using chat boxes in online poker, they can serve as a valuable source of information. Regulars, focused on the game, often disable the chat function, while recreational players may engage in conversations or vent frustrations. Experimenting with the chat box enables players to identify opponents open to engagement, potentially leading to exploitable situations and strategic advantages.

Passive Play

Recognizing 'passive play' proves pivotal in identifying recreational players. Regulars, with their eyes on non-showdown winnings, incorporate aggressive moves such as three- and four-bets. Passive play, marked by excessive calling and folding without reaching showdown, diminishes profitability. Players are urged to self-reflect and ensure they steer clear of the trap of passive play.

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Timing Tells

In the intricate dance of online poker, players inadvertently unveil crucial information through timing tells. Regulars strive for consistency in decision-making times, while recreational players may exhibit impulsive actions. Vigilance regarding your own timing becomes crucial to avoid unintentional disclosures and to maintain a strategic cloak.

Additional Insights:

  • A prolonged pause before a raise may indicate a strong hand, while a quick call or check might reveal a drawing hand.
  • Swift betting, deviating from a player's usual pace, can be a subtle indicator of a bluff.
  • Players employing extended pauses consistently may be engaging in deceptive behavior.
  • The chat box becomes a valuable tool for monitoring opponents' mental states, particularly when frustrations are vented.

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Calum Grant
Senior Editor & Live Events Executive

Calum has been a part of the PokerNews team since September 2021 after working in the UK energy sector. He played his first hand of poker in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the game. Calum has written for various poker outlets but found his home at PokerNews, where he has contributed to various articles and live updates, providing insights and reporting on major poker events, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

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