Live Poker Tells That Actually Work

Most tells are overrated. But a few patterns show up consistently enough to matter.

Timing Tells

Instant call = usually draw or medium strength. Long pause then bet = often strong (acting weak). Long pause then check = often genuinely unsure.

Bet Sizing

Unusually large bets = often polarized (very strong or bluff). Small bets = often medium strength or blocking. Exact pot-size bets = often calculated, therefore usually value.

Physical Tells

Shaking hands when betting = usually strong (adrenaline). Staring at you = usually weak (trying to intimidate). Looking away = usually strong (appearing disinterested).

The Caveat

Good players give false tells. Observe patterns across multiple hands before acting on tells. And never rely on tells over solid mathematical play.