Keen observation of the subtleties of how an opponent poker player bets can go a long way in helping you improve your game. You can capitalize on this extra information by knowing when to shove, call or fold. The art of reading is generally based on two major factors: mathematics and physical behavior.
If you are able to correctly identify such patterns for most, or all of the players at the table, you are instantaneously at an advantage. Also, learning the art helps you avoid giving away the same vital information to your opponents. You will know what to look out for, and how to avoid being read.
Mathematics and poker
Mathematics is deep-seeded in the game. In fact, many professional players have achieved their stature in the industry through pure mathematical knowledge. Probability has helped such players by providing them with enough data to continue their estimates.
To read opponent players through math, you may have to play slightly passively at the beginning of the game. Many players like to start out strong, because a few early winning rounds put them at the top of the table, where the pressure is slightly lower. However, if you start the game aggressively, you may not get the data you are looking out for.
You have to determine what mathematical formula other players are using to assess the value of their own hands. Make a few straight calls for the first few rounds and observe. When players show their cards at the end of the round, keep a note of the hand-value and betting style.
By the time you have played a good few hands, you should have a general idea about what your opponents’ lowest acceptable hand-values are. Take the example of a relatively tight player who uses Chen’s formula and mucks hands that are valued below 7 points. It is difficult to predict this value after playing just a couple of rounds, so do not base your game on the exact numbers.
The formula only helps you determine the type of hand your opponent will continue with, and the ones that they will not. In this example, the tight player plays nothing worse than middle valued suited connectors. You can turn the game your way just because you know this. If you have a face card and a middle card on suit, and your opponent has a similar hand, you know for sure the other player is going to throw their hand. This means you get free blinds even on a weak hand if you are able to tell what you are up against.
Observing people’s behavior
When you are observing the way others play, you will have to account how well the player is. A good player will not have many leaks. A lot of poker players claim to manage to hide whatever is in their minds. This is never fully true. The human body is designed to have involuntary muscular reactions to thought process and emotions.
In fact, the more you try to hide it, the more pronounced the reaction will be when it finally does show. The face is especially prone to help us communicate our thoughts to others. At the rate of about one fifth of a second, every person gives off universal reactions. Spotting micro-expressions is not easy of course; and in the game, it is not sensible to be seen scrutinizing another person’s face for wrinkles and slight changes from the normal state.
Instead, you must try to assess the body gestures, or lack of them, to identify whether a player is bluffing or not. Since there is generally a fair amount of talking at most tables, it should be easier for you to pick out truth from deception. While speaking, your opponent is performing multiple tasks. That means that they are working less efficiently for either function.
One very easy gesture you should keep your eyes open for is the nose rub in men. Men have a reptilian tissue in the nose that involuntarily causes the nose to itch when a lie is told. The only reason there is such a pronounced bodily reaction is that the body tries to revert to a normal state of being when it is adjusted, even very slightly.
How reading hands can backfire
Remember not to get overconfident at any point and start to let others know that you have a notion of what they hold. This will put them on edge, and could even make them change their style of play in the middle of the game. You would have to restart the entire process, losing out on a lot of chips before you figure out the next pattern.
If you are playing against some very talented players, they may even understand what you are trying to do. If you make it known that you have identified a person’s pattern, that player could potentially continue to play in the same manner until a huge pot is placed at the center. You could even lose in an all-in situation if your opponent is able to make you believe you know what they are holding.
Many players also give away false signs, or apparent reactions to bait others into or out of a pot. You must be weary of such players, and tune your skills such that you can tell real reactions from fake ones.