Being able to read other poker players is essential to being successful at winning hands at the poker table. This happens whether the table is virtual or real, in a tournament or in your friend’s dungeon. If you are going to win against other players, you need to know how to read them tell.

One of the most valuable skills among poker players  is the ability to bluff, to have a good “poker expert ”. Bluffing is a term used when a player tries to get an opponent to believe what they are saying is true. This works for both good and bad hands, for good hands, it may be in your best interest to let your opponent believe they have the better hand, they will then bet up the pot. However, poker players with bad hands who are good at bluffing may be able to convince their opponents to fold, therefore winning hands with poor cards.

Bluffing skills work well during online as well as off line play; However, playing online has its own opportunities for poker players. Many times, when playing online, other players are more than willing to share their playing secrets with you. Use this to your best advantage, ask questions of them, they will usually tell you why they did or didn’t make a certain play during the hand. After all, they are, most likely not going to play against you personally. If you explain that you are new to the sport, most poker players will not mind teaching you.

Another skill that poker players must develop is being able to catch an opponent’s notice, while hiding their own. Most players won’t be as clear as jumping up and down when they are dealt a big hand, but may look up at the ceiling or start tapping their toes. Being able to catch these small movements will help you to play more effectively against them. However, just as important, never forget that when you are watching your opponents, they are watching you too.

Some poker players engage in idol chat while playing hands. This can be very distracting if you are not one of those people who can do this and still concentrate. The reason for this talk is easy to understand, it is an effective way to get rid of the desk concentration. If you become a successful poker player, you will need to either learn to get this out, or use it to your advantage.