The easiest poker tells to pick up in a live game are the reactions that players make when the community cards hit the board. Many players will look at their chip stack when a good hand hits them. They intend to bet, and can’t help but look at their chips to prepare the best-sized bet for the situation.

Others will look around like they’re trying to appear disinterested. They will scope out the room, suddenly unconcerned with what the other players are doing. This player also has a good hand, and should be given respect.

Actual disinterested players will look at their cards quickly and usually start to pay attention to something else that’s going on at the time. If you know when a player has decided to stay out of a hand, you can play like they’re not there if you decide to bet or call some action.

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