Structured Approach to Poker Tells: A New Way to Read Your Opponents

Poker tells, or 'tellys,' are often presented in books without a clear organizational structure. Authors typically list them in long lists or sort them into categories that may seem arbitrary. The author of this article proposes a different approach to understanding and remembering poker tells, emphasizing the importance of the specific situation.

The author divides poker tells into three main situational categories based on the timing of the hand:

• Tells during the waiting period
• Tells during the action
• Tells after the bet

Tells during the waiting period can indicate whether a player wants you to bet or not. For example, a player might stare at you during your turn or avoid eye contact while waiting for their turn. Tells during the action include the time a player takes to bet or check and the manner of their movements. For instance, a player might take a long pause before betting or confidently announce the bet amount. Tells after the bet can indicate whether a player wants you to call their bet or not. Examples include a player smiling after betting or avoiding eye contact after placing their chips in the pot.