Sports betting odds are influenced by various factors, both general and specific to different sports. Recent performance, win-loss records, past matchups, and statistics are crucial in determining odds. The absence of key players due to injuries or suspensions can significantly shift the odds. Teams often perform better at home due to familiar conditions and support from local fans. Heavy rain, for instance, might impact a football game's score. Past encounters between teams or players can influence odds, especially if there's a consistent pattern of wins or losses. When you look at the odds on betting sites, you have to consider many factors. We cut through those aspects to help you secure the best odds, choose the appropriate market, and determine the optimal timing for your betting picks. 1. Know your sport inside out By deeply understanding the sport, bettors can better interpret statistics and trends that can influence games and use them to predict outcomes more accurately. Regularly following a sport provides deeper insights into player form, injuries, and potential line-up changes.  In addition to tactics, team dynamics, playing styles, and historical performances against certain opponents, bettors often consider players' personal problems, such as disagreements with their coaches. These details will help you make smarter decisions and find valuable bets at top betting sites. 2. Don't just stick to one bookmaker  Bettors can limit themselves if they stick to a single bookmaker. For example, various bookmakers give different odds on the same events. By shopping around, bettors can be certain they are receiving the most value for their bets. Even little variations in odds might lead to considerable increases in possible winnings over time. This approach, known as odds shopping, is critical for anyone serious about profiting from sports betting. Furthermore, several bookmakers provide a range of incentives, promotions, and special deals that might be helpful to bettors. These may include welcome bonuses, free bets, improved odds, and cashback offers, all of which can provide value above and beyond the odds. Certain bookies may specialize in specific sports or events or provide greater market depth. By sticking to a single bookmaker, a punter may miss out on the extensive coverage of favorite sports or events. Finally, the betting experience can differ dramatically among bookies regarding user interface, customer service, and the availability of extra services, such as live streaming, in-play betting, and cash-out choices. 3. Don't bet only on the favorites Favorites typically have lower odds because they are more likely to win, meaning the potential returns on a bet are down compared to betting on an underdog. Also, sports are inherently unpredictable, and upsets are more common than one might think. By betting only on favorites, bettors ignore the potential value that can be found in underdog victories. Sometimes, favorites are overvalued based on reputation rather than current form or specific matchup conditions. Ultimately, odds are influenced by public perception and betting patterns. The fact is that favorites often attract attention and money, which might lead to shorter odds and less value for the bettor. 4. The fewer selections, the better Keeping your bets simple or placing single bets might be a more successful strategy than accumulating picks. The fundamental reason for preferring fewer selections is the increased probability of winning—each additional selection in a bet multiplies the risk since every selection must be correct. By betting on fewer selections, you reduce the impact of variance. With fewer bets, the outcome is more likely to reflect your skill and knowledge rather than random chance. Also, focusing on fewer selections allows for more thorough research of each choice. When betting on a single game or event, you can analyze relevant situational factors and concentrate on identifying value in the betting markets. This detailed analysis is more likely to lead to rational betting decisions than spreading your focus across many games or events. 5. Avoid the temptation of odds-on prices Be mindful of the false sense of security that odds-on prices can create. Upsets are common in sports, and even the most favored can lose, leading to significant losses, especially if a bettor has staked a large amount due to a low return. Effective bankroll management is crucial in sports betting. Punters risk more money than they stand to win, which means that even a few losses can be challenging to recover from. One of the critical aspects of successful betting is finding value. Odds-on bets often offer little to no value as bookmakers adjust the prices to reflect the high probability of the outcome. So, the risk-to-reward ratio in odds-on betting is skewed. 6. Consider the less obvious markets Mainstream betting markets, like match winners or total points, are heavily analyzed and bet on. Bookmakers price these markets rather accurately. Less obvious markets might receive a different level of attention, leading to more favorable odds or mispriced lines that savvy bettors can exploit. If you have specialized knowledge of a particular aspect of a sport, less obvious markets allow you to leverage this expertise. For example, if you thoroughly understand individual player performances in basketball, you might find great value in player-prop NBA betting. 7. Make sure you understand the market Understanding betting markets is the foundation for making informed and strategic decisions. Different markets offer different types of bets, each with its own rules and strategies. Each market requires a unique approach to research, risk assessment, and understanding of the sport. Prop bets, for example, require specific and detailed knowledge of players and teams.  A common mistake bettors make is not fully understanding the distinctions between these different markets. Failing to grasp how a point spread works can lead to misinterpreting what constitutes a winning bet. 8. Don't bet with your heart Letting personal biases dictate betting decisions is a common pitfall in sports betting. This approach can significantly impair judgment and lead to decisions that aren't backed by sound reasoning or statistical evidence. Emotional betting ignores important aspects that influence the outcome and includes making bets based on love for the team or player rather than on an objective analysis. In NFL betting, a fan of a particular football team might consistently bet on their team to win despite player injuries or a poor run of form. While loyalty is admirable, it misses critical factors that should improve decision-making. 9. Pick your moment The ideal timing for placing bets and live bets varies depending on the nature of the sport, the type of bet, and the specific circumstances surrounding the event. Here's a breakdown of ideal time frames for both pre-game and live betting: Pre-game betting Early betting: Placing bets as soon as the lines are released can be advantageous, especially for seasoned bettors with a good sense of value. Early lines may not fully reflect recent developments or public betting trends, which creates betting opportunities. In NFL football betting, early lines can provide value before the market adjusts. Closer to the event: Waiting until the event starts has its benefits as well, allowing bettors to consider last-minute changes, such as injuries, weather conditions, or roster changes. In baseball betting, where starting pitchers are crucial, betting closer to game time can be wise. Market movements: Observing how the lines move and comparing odds in the days leading up to the event can provide insights into where smart money is going. For those less confident in their initial analysis, following these movements can aid in making wiser decisions. Live betting Early game observations: The beginning of the game is a critical time for live sports betting. Watching the first few minutes can give insights into the strategies teams employ, any unforeseen factors like weather impacts, or the game's general flow. Reacting to game dynamics: A key player getting injured, a significant change in momentum after a few big plays, or a team displaying unexpected form can be good moments to consider live betting. Halftime/breaks in play: Halftimes or breaks in play, like the end of a set in tennis, are strategic times for live sports betting. They provide a moment to assess the game without the pressure of ongoing play and can be ideal for placing bets based on first-half performances or expected adjustments. Avoiding late-game betting: While tempting, betting late in the game can be risky unless you have a clear read. Those live odds are usually less favorable, and the potential for unexpected changes diminishes. 10. It pays to follow less popular sports Major sports like football, basketball, and horse racing attract much attention from bettors and bookmakers. The odds in these sports are usually sharp, as bookmakers invest significant resources in setting accurate lines. Less popular sports, however, can maintain less efficient markets.  Concentrating on a niche sport allows you to develop expertise that gives you an edge over bookmakers. With less information available publicly, your in-depth knowledge, combined with odds comparison, can be a significant advantage. You can understand nuances and details often overlooked by others, giving you a better chance to spot mispriced odds or valuable betting opportunities. What Affects Sports Betting Odds? There can be several ways where the odds on sports betting futures can change before a season begins. For example, in the last few days and weeks leading up to games, events such as trades or free agent signings can transform the underdog into one of the favorites or create an even bigger divide between the two squads. Player injuries or absences due to suspensions or personal reasons and the location of the game can affect the odds. Teams generally perform better at home, which can lead to shorter odds. In MLB betting or other outdoor sports like college football, weather conditions can impact gameplay and thus affect the odds. Past matchups between the teams or players can influence odds, especially if one team or player dominates the other consistently. The specific strategies or styles of play can influence how a team stacks up against another, affecting the odds. For example, the over/under margin on two high-scoring NBA teams will significantly increase compared to the league average. Lastly, the dynamics of the betting market can also influence odds. Bookmakers adjust odds based on where the larger portion of the money is going. If many bets are placed on one team, the odds may be adjusted to balance the action.

Baccarat is one of the most popular games at online casinos today, with a rich and long history that goes back more than 500 years. The ancient populace considered the game to be for Aristocrats only. With the help of casinos and, by extension, online casinos, Baccarat became an international game in no time, reaching even India. Anyone can find out where they can play Baccarat online in India or elsewhere in Asia with just a simple internet search. In this article, I'll point out the fascinating history of Baccarat and explain how it became such a popular game all over the world. History of Baccarat In the following section, I'll discuss the Baccarat game throughout the years. Origin of the Baccarat — Italy When it comes to Baccarat origin, there are a variety of theories. Some believe it began in France, while others believe it began in Rome, Italy. The Italian story is regarded as an origin because it's the most popular version and seems to be the most accurate. Namely, Baccarat originated in Italy in the 1400s. Falguiere created the game and named it "baccara," which in Italian means zero because the face cards had a zero value. Then, Baccarat spread rapidly to France, where the French spelling "Baccarat" originated. As of today, French spelling has become the norm in Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world. According to legend, Felix created the game based on old Etruscan folklore about a virgin who threw a die with nine sides. There are different versions of the story, with some saying it was a pregnant woman. She became a priestess for every eight or nine she threw. However, if she threw a 6 or 7, she would remain alive but lose all her priestly roles. However, if she throws anything below 6, she'll drown in the sea. Baccarat History in France — Chemin de Fer During the 1800s, Baccarat quickly spread from its birthplace, Italy, to its neighboring country, France. The French called it Chemin de Fer. However, as the name was shortened, many people called the game Chemmy. During the reign of King Charles VIII, Baccarat became a game for the aristocracy in France. Interestingly, only the nobles and the wealthy people of France could participate in the game with King Charles. For many centuries, the game was popular among the rich and noble in France. Soon after being brought to France, the game was introduced to England by French travelers. In England, Baccarat was a game for everyone to enjoy, and in a short time, it became wildly played. After learning how to play the game, Ian Fleming conceived James Bond, a fictional character who loves Baccarat. Punto Banco Baccarat spread across the ocean to South America and the Caribbean over time. In the early years of Baccarat, it was known as Punto Banco and was adapted in several ways to fit into the local culture. The main change was that the players played only against the house instead of each other. Also, the casinos acted as banks. After a while, the game became known as "American Baccarat." After that, Tommy Renzoni introduced the game to Las Vegas, Nevada, in the late 1950s. In contrast to roulette and slot machines, Baccarat haven't been played that much among casino gamblers. Due to this, casino owners marketed the game as a game for the select few by setting high minimum bets and hiding the tables in special rooms furnished with posh leather chairs. Thus, the baccarat game attracted additional attention and added to its allure. Baccarat at Online Casinos Since the 1990s, the online casino industry has grown rapidly and attracted millions of players. As one of the most popular casino games in the world, the Baccarat casino game is available at most online casinos, and it's unlikely that you'll find one that doesn't have at least one Baccarat variation in its selection of games. As a result of the fast connection speed and the latest technology, players can now enjoy sharp graphics and a user-friendly interface regardless of the device they use for playing. The stakes are typically lower when playing Baccarat online, making it more exciting and joyful. Baccarat at Brick-and-Mortar Casinos It's well known that the Baccarat card game that attracts high rollers. The house edge is approximately 1%, making it one of the games with the lowest house edge. In the middle of the 20th century, the French version of Baccarat, Chemin de Fer, also called European Baccarat, was introduced in US casinos. Initially, the rules were complicated, players acted as bankers, and three dealers were required to be involved in the game. Due to the high stakes, the game became most popular among wealthy players, while mass players preferred blackjack and roulette. But, after some of the issues were resolved, Baccarat became more popular among regular players. There were also simplified rules, and three dealers were no longer needed. Instead, players needed to place an initial wager on either the player, the banker, or a "tie." In addition, all game action was handled by the dealer, and stakes were lowered. Old vs. New Baccarat When you think about it, Baccarat has some pretty scary stories. Now that all that has passed, women can play the game without fear of losing their lives. In Baccarat, throwing a number less than six means you lose. Aside from that, there are differences between how we play Baccarat today and how gamblers used to play it. In spite of this, the majority of the differences that we see in Baccarat today were adopted when the game was introduced to Americans. Today, Baccarat only has one dealer, and players can place bets against the house, which also acts as the bank. Conclusion To sum up, the history of Baccarat goes back to the 1400s, and it was known as Baccara which translates to zero in Italian. A few centuries later, in France, in the 1800s, this game was known as Chemin de Fer or Chemmy. After being introduced to the players in South America under the name Punto Blanco, the game of Baccarat came to Nevada around the 1850s, with slightly changed rules, and got the name — American Baccarat. While new variants have emerged in recent years, EZ Baccarat and Super 6 Baccarat have experienced less innovation than others. Over time, the rules of Baccarat have changed, and now there are various versions of Baccarat that casino game fans can play in land-based or online casinos. FAQ Who was Baccarat made for? Originally, the game was intended for aristocrats and noblemen, but today many gamblers prefer to play this game, especially high rollers in brick-and-mortar casinos.

The gambling industry as a whole has developed into a considerable economic force. It's responsible for substantial revenues in the tourism and hospitality industries, but its influence goes beyond traditional casinos, with online platforms accounting for a massive piece of gambling transactions. Join us as we dissect how gambling's convoluted yet intriguing economic footprint affects the global economy, contributes to GDP in various nations, and creates jobs. The Significant Role of Gambling Platforms in Local Economies and Small Businesses When Atlantic City began its operations, the intention was to boost tax revenue and help urban redevelopment. Initially, there was a positive impact on the regional economy, with the industry generating capital investment, high-paying jobs, and a consistent flow of tourism. Employment in the metropolitan area more than doubled in the decade following the first casino opening in 1978. The ripple effect of the economic contributions is significant and far-reaching, benefiting a wide array of sectors and supporting a diverse range of small businesses.?? If we take the US as an example, we can see that casinos are responsible for generating a staggering $52 billion in revenues for small businesses in diverse industries such as real estate, finance, health care, STEM, manufacturing, and information technology. In terms of employment, they support approximately 350,000 jobs in small businesses. These jobs are not limited to the industry alone; a substantial portion are in non-gambling sectors like local restaurants and shops. These businesses often see a marked increase in customer traffic and economic activity due to their proximity to gambling properties. Furthermore, the contribution of casinos to small business employee wages is notable, with $13 billion being supported annually. Economic Benefits of Land-Based Casinos & Online Gambling Platforms These platforms contribute significantly to government revenues through taxation and licensing fees, sustaining public services and infrastructure. Gambling ventures boost local economies and create numerous employment opportunities, from technology and software development to customer service roles. They also stimulate technological innovation as the competitive market drives advancements in digital security, user interface design, and gaming software. Lastly, regulated gambling markets aid in the fight against illegal gambling by improving consumer protection and promoting responsible gambling habits. Let's go over these advantages in greater detail below. Tax Revenue The capability of the gambling business to generate tax revenue is a critical economic benefit, allowing increased government investment in essential services and infrastructure. Direct tax contributions include corporate taxes, gambling-specific taxes, and license fees. Indirectly, it adds to sales and service tax income. Spending on hotels, restaurants, and other local services in known casino locations increases the government's proceeds. The tax revenue generated from the gambling industry is often earmarked for specific public welfare projects. Governments use tax income to finance education, healthcare, social services, and community development initiatives. To understand the scope of these numbers, betting online resulted in $1.5 billion in sports betting tax revenue for 27 US jurisdictions in 2022. New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois generated more than $100 million each. When we look at the market share of online poker in the US, the numbers are just as impressive. In 2022, the poker market size was worth $86.2 billion and is expected to have a growth rate of around 13.5% between 2023 and 2030. Given the sheer magnitude of the market, we can say with certainty that online poker contributes heavily towards tax revenue, among other economic factors. Job Creation The jobs created by the industry also contribute to tax revenue. This contribution is substantial, given the industry's role in employment across multiple sectors, including technology, hospitality, and customer service: Direct employment includes positions such as dealers, security personnel, managers, customer service representatives, and technical support staff. Online platforms also demand a range of IT professionals, from software developers to cybersecurity experts. Indirect employment expands opportunities in companies specializing in game design, online security, marketing, and advertising. The industry also contributes to the workforce's skill development. Many roles in the gambling sector, especially in online casinos, require specialized skills, prompting the need for comprehensive training programs. This skill development can benefit employees' long-term career prospects, even outside the gambling industry. Reduction in Crime Legalization directly influences the reduction of illegal operations, which are often associated with other forms of crime. However, the effect of legalized gambling is a subject of ongoing research and debate. Although research indicates that legalization does not necessarily lead to a rise in crime, specific types of crime, such as theft or fraud, may increase in areas surrounding casinos, possibly due to addiction issues. Tourism Gambling attracts visitors from around the world and stimulates local economies. Locations like Las Vegas, Macau, and Monte Carlo are prime examples of how casinos can become central to a city's identity. Modern establishments are a vital part of integrated resorts, offering a combination of entertainment, hospitality, and retail services and appealing not just to gamblers but also to families and business travelers. Casino venues also host events like poker tournaments, entertainment shows, and conventions. These events often garner international attention, creating a cycle of economic growth and development for the hosting regions. Everlasting Imprint of The Gambling Industry on the Global Economy With its complex web of economic, social, and cultural impacts, the gambling industry plays a multifaceted role in society. The economic impact of the industry on a global scale is far-reaching, with just as significant influence on national economies. Whether land-based or online, revenues generated contribute heavily towards the way countries build, employ, and ultimately, prosper. It is needless to say with this industry growing at the pace it is, the role of regulatory bodies and legislation are responsible for keeping up to ensure that individuals, communities, and countries can thrive alongside the industry, without the risk of jeopardizing the safety and well-being of local and global communities.

Do you want to play poker like a pro? Then you've come to the right place. Today, I'll explain what poker tells are and discuss what you should do in different scenarios when playing against gamblers. What Is a Tell in Poker? A tell in poker is a change in a player's behavior, mood, or approach—a physical or verbal action that gives clues to that player's strength of hand. Finding poker tells is based on the premise that people unwittingly reveal their cards via observable behavior. A player gains an advantage by observing and interpreting another competitor's tell, especially if the tell is unconscious and dependable. Consequently, reading behavioral tells is possible only at live poker tables, while online poker players need to focus on unintentional patterns or actions. To become successful in poker tells, you must constantly evaluate the accuracy in the context of the situation at hand. Interestingly, a tell may be useful even if it's just under 50 percent correct. In this scenario, if the pot was $400 and you paid $100 to call, you would have won $400. Let's add that the only hand you can defeat is a bluff. If such an occurrence happened five times and you called every time, you'd need your opponent to bluff only once to break even. To put it another way, you'd have to win 20% of the time. If you were led to believe by a tell that there was a 40% probability that your opponent was bluffing, it would be in your best interest to call. Note the following fact: A player never bluffs, but he appears to bluff at the current moment. Namely, when you recognize the tell, the chances of him bluffing are far higher than when you don't. If you want to learn how to read people in poker, you need to follow a couple of rules: Don't glance at your cards; observe your opponent. Don't stare at the flop, turn or river in Hold 'em; observe your opponent! When the next stud card appears, OBSERVE YOUR OPPONENT! Tells from Unaware Players In this part, I'll go over common tells from unaware players Appearance Despite the fact that the vast majority of tells occur during play, we can gain valuable insight into our opponent’s strategy even when they're not involved in a poker hand. You should pay attention to certain aspects of each player's play for hints about their poker strategy. Well-dressed individuals, in particular, are more likely to play it safe. On the other hand, a guy with a tattered suit and a loosened tie is more likely to be in a gambling mode and play more loosely. Certainly, those who wear religious amulets and good luck charms or exercise superstitious habits tend to be more luck-conscious and liberal with their stakes than average players. Generally, women are less likely to bluff. To maximize your profit while you're against an unknown opponent, assume that he or she will play like a stereotype until you discover otherwise. Players tend to remember denominations (like Ace, Deuce, and King) better than suits. Stacking Chips Stacking chips is rarely used as a ploy. The neatly organized stack suggests that the player will probably play carefully and hardly ever bluff, so look for more chips on his big stacks because that's his profit. You may bluff by betting marginally more than his profit. When winning, players are hesitant to call, yet a bad call might cost them. After they enter a hand, don't play medium-strength hands; try bluffing them and calling less when they bet. Uneven stacks indicate reckless play. Such a player's approach is overly liberal, but he may profit from big hands with aggressive play. Call more frequently and bluff less. Sharing a Hand Sometimes a player will show his hand to a fellow player who has folded or a friend who has approached the table. Two-player hands reveal a lot about an opponent's hand. If the observer arrives mid-hand, he's the one to watch. He'll employ kindergarten psychology and act the opposite of the hand's strength. However, players are unaware that they tend to follow a trend when a hand is disclosed from the start. Usually, players with weak hands won't display their hands for two reasons: First, he may unintentionally show that he plays poorly. Second, the spectator may tip off his opponent to his poor hand, losing him the pot. If gamblers share the hand, it's likely good enough to warrant involvement. Strong players can utilize this tell to bluff. If you suspect that's the case, observe the onlooker. The best tactic isn't to bet or call without at least a solid hand. Glancing at Chips Players will only steal a look at their chips when they're contemplating a raise, and almost always because they have improved their hand, which is the most useful tell you can notice. You'll see it when you’re observing beginners, average, experienced, and even world-class players. First, be sure the glance isn't an act. When players focus on their chips while thinking you're observing, it's definitely an act. However, the pattern of gazing at the hand, then the stack, then away, practically cannot be an act because they don't know if you're watching. Poker and computer expert Michael Wiesenberg provides a correlated tell. Bettors may look at your chips before making a bet, which is rarer than checking your own stack. If the gaze is quick and short, it usually suggests the player loves his hand and is ready to bet. On the other hand, if your opponent stares at your chips long after he sees his hands, he may be bluffing. Sandbagging is the term for swiftly glancing at chips, quickly looking away, and then raising. Even if you are sure your opponent will bet, you can still use sandbagging as a potent poker weapon. It's conceptually identical to staring at the flop. Your opponent knows very well that the flop helped, so this studying is unnecessary. You won’t catch a bluff in these circumstances, nor should you bluff yourself. Other Common Tells Tell Strategy Players who ask for chips flamboyantly play aggressively and carelessly Call more often/bluff less often Hiding bankroll/wallet implies conservative play Call less often/bluff more often Leaned back/arms folded implies player is in no gambling mood, waiting for good hand Rarely enter a hand Leaned back/arm not folded, looking uninterested implies patience If you’re playing in front, play slightly weaker hands Stack scattered after a win, winner enters hand Very rarely bluff from scratch, give value to their hands A gambler shuffling hand indicates that the hand needs help to become very strong Use logic Uncontrollable shaking is a release of tension, not fear Fold unless you also hold a nuts hand Covering mouth with hand implies unconscious avoidance of examination Call with average or even weak hands Instinctive double-check for a two-pair or a suit in a hole Consider your own hand and play accordingly When a gambler takes time to enjoy a cigarette, he's not afraid of the call 60% reliable, fold unless you have a very strong hand Sudden interest (leaning forward/stopping the humming) usually indicates a very good hand Enter with caution and don't bluff Opponent is taking his/her time on a tough decision Encourage the calls if you raised on strength hands. If you're bluffing, discourage the call Raising after a long hesitation is a bluff in 50% of the cases Call Lack of hesitation implies the hand didn’t improve Bet accordingly Closely protected hands are usually strong If this player opens, pass with all borderline hands Closely protected hands are usually strong If you hold a strong hand, check rather than open, knowing this player will open for you Tells from Actors Before using an actor's tells, you need to be pretty sure that he's acting and not just unaware. It's probably an act if the player has a reason to think you might be recognizing a certain behavior, and he would benefit from you being wrong. Undoubtedly, strong players are less likely to give you tells. Not only would they withhold the most common poker tells world-class players often try to trick by turning some of the more obvious tells around. Weak Means Strong If poker players can persuade you that they have a bad hand when they have a great hand, they'll win a few extra calls. Strong hands are why players go to great lengths to look weak. No player who actually holds a weak hand would ever disclose that. Neither would you expect a bluffer to admit he's bluffing. It's because they're strong that they act weak. The Shrug Shrugging and then raising the poker player is suggesting he's unsure about the bet and that his hand could be a lot stronger. Don't take the bait here. There's only one reason he would do this - he has a near-certain winner on his hands. The best strategy is to call only with strong hands; call with the majority of hands you would generally raise with and don't bluff. The Look Away Those who glance away from the action are more threatening than those who maintain an eye on the bettors. They don't want to do anything to discourage the bet, so be ready for a raise. There are no two ways to do this, so make sure your hand is strong before putting any additional money into this pot. If you raised first, you might want to consider abandoning your bet. Furthermore, the quick look away after seeing the flop is even more telling. Only play excellent hands and fold any that you believe might be mildly advantageous. If you have a strong hand, allow your adversary to do the betting for you, and dare not bluff. The Discard Those who act like they're going to fold their hole cards before the action reaches them are a threat. Why are they doing this if they're not attempting to deceive you? Essentially it's a double move — a player tells the opponent in front that he can raise, and he encourages those behind to call. However powerful your hand may be, it's best to let the opponent bet on your behalf. The Hesitation With the long hesitation, the goal is to make the initial bettor think that raising is a difficult choice. His lengthy delay is an attempt to make you believe his raise is weak. When a player does nothing to prevent a big bet, thinks for a long time, and then makes a big raise, it's unlikely that he's bluffing. If you're willing to part with some nice hands, you'll come out ahead here. What you save by not calling is real money, and you stay in the game waiting for the right opportunity. Strong Means Weak In terms of dollars, catching players who are acting strong is even more valuable. When you determine that a player is acting weak, you'll often save a call, but the value is just a fraction of the total pot. Conversely, when you catch a player acting strong, you'll utilize that to make a call and win the entire pot. The Stare Players stare at a bad flop, trying to appear dangerous. By seeming interested, they want to dissuade betting. As previously covered, you realize that players who like flops tend to look away. Now is the time for a good bluff. Also, call more liberally since he's likely weak or bluffing. Players making eye contact with the bettor are trying to do the same. Another reason opponents keep an eye on your bets is to ensure they won't get short-changed. You may assume an opponent is attempting to act strong when he's only keeping an eye on your stake amount. Aim to elicit a call from a weaker hand by betting medium-strength hands. Bluff as a last resort. Reaching for Chips By grabbing his chips out of turn and looking at his cards, the gambler hopes to seem threatening and prevent them from opening with marginal hands, indicating that the outcome is a sure thing. In this case, you should open with any marginal hand, even those you wouldn't have considered. Strong players may grab the pot early to provoke a call. The rules change when a player grabs the pot while an opponent is passing. The bettor seeks to win the pot by removing an opponent's remaining uncertainties. Any player with a winning hand will let you call. Even with a weak hand, consider calling or raising to bluff. Other Actor Tells Tell Strategy If a player bets and then checks his hand as you grab for chips, he's bluffing Check/Call ‘Accidentally’ exposing means players are trying to convey strength hands Call Active player looking as if the pot is far from his mind, is a dangerous opponent Don’t bluff, play only extremely strong hands and even then, check Pretending to pass to encourage bets Don’t bluff, don’t bet and pass Keeping their hands off their chips to encourage bets Don't bet into or call without a very strong hand Looking at the bettor and reaching for chips to discourage bets Bet marginal hands for value. Think about bluffing, but be careful The player who gently slides his bet is hoping for a call Don't call without an extremely strong hand The bettor who puts chips down with a little extra force hopes for a fold Call/Raise if you can’t win in a showdown Sweeping gestures with outstretched arms are used to lure a call by using strange behavior Fold unless you hold a strong hand The player who looks and bets at the same time wants to lure a call You need a good hand to call Player won't look right at the bettor, but his eyes suggest otherwise Fold Looking away with eyes on the pot Don’t bet Verbal poker tells like sighs or sounds of sorrow imply good hands Beware Online Poker Patterns When it comes to gaining knowledge about our opponents, learning to recognize and identify typical online betting patterns is crucial in 2022. Bear in mind that online poker tells are different from those used in live games. It's important to know some terms used at poker sites: Tanking implies taking a longer time to decide A strange or typed-in bet is a raise in the odds amount, like $7.99 Instead of verbal poker tells, there's now a chat feature that should be considered Move Tell The Check Then Insta-Call Marginal hand, likely to fold if not improved Tank-Checking Hoping to see another card Tank-Calling Quite possibly a fairly strong hand Big raise after Tank Possibly nuts Massive Overbet Rarely a bluff Strange amount bets Value bets, not bluffing Complaining about lost hand Play often against this player Talker goes quiet Watch out Buying in for Unusual Amounts Be involved in hands against these players Conclusion If your goal is to play poker successfully, don't jump to conclusions right away when you spot poker tells. Instead, take your time and display uncertainty. By using this approach, your opponent will be less likely to change his behavior, and you'll be able to keep reading poker tells that your opponent gives. Finally, as the games grow harder, you must take advantage of whatever advantage you can uncover. You won’t improve your win rate if you disregard or don't follow what other players are doing.