Let’s be honest—online poker isn’t the same as sitting across from someone in a smoky casino. You can’t watch their hands shake or hear them sigh when they bluff. But here’s the deal: players still leak information. You just need to know where to look.
The Hidden Clues in Online Poker
Online tells are subtle, but they’re there. Think of it like reading footprints in sand—the patterns reveal where someone’s been (and where they’re going). Here’s what to track:
1. Betting Timing Tells
Ever notice how some players take exactly 2.3 seconds to call, but snap-raise with monsters? Timing is everything. Watch for:
- Instant checks/folds: Often means weak hands—they’re not even thinking.
- Delayed raises: Could be a bluff. They’re pretending to think it over.
- Auto-bets after the flop: Might indicate a preset strategy (like c-betting 100% of hands).
2. Bet Sizing Patterns
Bet sizing is like a player’s handwriting—unique and full of quirks. For example:
| Small bets (25-40% pot) | Often draws or marginal hands—they’re probing. |
| Overbets (150%+ pot) | Either nuts or pure air. No in-between. |
| Consistent sizing | Might be a bot or a rigid player. |
Pro tip: Track their bet sizes in a notepad app. Patterns jump out faster.
3. Chat Box Tells
That “gl hf” at the start? Harmless. But sudden chat activity mid-hand? Goldmine. Watch for:
- Overly friendly chatter: Distraction tactic before a big bluff.
- Complaints about bad beats: Tilt is setting in—exploit it.
- Silence after a loss: They might be steaming. Expect reckless plays next hand.
Advanced Online Tells
Now, let’s dig into the less obvious stuff—the tells most players miss.
4. Connection “Lag” Tells
Funny thing: a player’s internet connection can betray them. Notice:
- Disconnects during big pots: Might be a rage-quit (or a bad connection, sure).
- Sudden timebank use: Could mean they’re multi-tabling and distracted.
- Consistent delays: Might indicate a bot script running calculations.
5. HUD Stats That Scream “Tell”
If you use a HUD (like PokerTracker), these stats reveal leaks:
- Fold to 3-bet % below 40: They’re calling too much. Punish them.
- Preflop raise % above 35: Probably playing too loose. Tighten up against them.
- Check-raise flop % over 10: Aggressive. Don’t bet into them lightly.
Note: Stats need at least 50 hands to be reliable. Don’t overreact to small samples.
Putting It All Together
Spotting tells isn’t about one magic clue—it’s about patterns. Like a detective, you piece together the evidence. Here’s how:
- Pick one player to study per session. Focus beats multitasking.
- Note their habits in different spots (e.g., how they act on flush draws).
- Test your reads. Bluff them once to see if they fold too much.
And remember: even the best tells aren’t 100%. People change. Stay adaptable.
The Biggest Mistake Players Make
Here’s the thing—most players overthink tells. They imagine patterns that aren’t there. Don’t be that person. If a “tell” doesn’t fit the logic of the hand, it’s probably noise.
Poker, after all, is still a game of math and strategy. Tells are just the icing.
