How to Spot Bluffs in Poker

Poker is about people, not about the cards. You can try and win at poker using a very disciplined, mathematical approach, but that style of play can often be taken advantage of by players who know how to read people. Being able to bluff, and spot when other people are bluffing, is necessary to really enjoy--and be good at--poker.

Things You'll Need

• Deck of cards

Instructions

How to Spot Bluffs in Poker

1. Pay attention. Watching a person's body language is often the easiest way to spot bluffs in poker. Bluffing requires that someone hide her fear and anxiety, and this can be very difficult to conceal. Start watching the other players as soon as the first hand is dealt. You might even consider staying out of the action in the early going so that you can more easily study the mannerisms of the other players. Look for subtle movements, as often the person's tell (the gesture which reveals he is bluffing) is something done unconsciously. Examples include sighing, nervously moving the hands, or foot tapping.

2. Listen to the players who are talkers. You are actually listening for when they stop talking, rather than the conversation they are having. If they have a strong hand, they may quiet down for a while to concentrate. When they are bluffing, they may increase their talking to try and cover up their bluff and distract you in the process.

3. Examine the amount of the bet. A very large bet is often the sign of a bluff, as the person is trying to buy a victory.

4. Look at the cards that are on the table (when playing Texas Hold'em). Bluffs are most easily done when there are cards on the table that will make you think they aren't bluffing. Having community cards that make a flush or a straight possible is one of the most common strategies of the bluffer. Sometimes though, the bluffer may strike when the community cards are of little help to anyone. They may want you to think that they are holding a pair in their hand when really they have nothing.

5. Recall someone's playing history. A very tight player who rarely makes large bets is likely to only bet when he has a strong hand. A more aggressive player, however, is far more likely to try bluffing.

Tips & Warnings

• Trying to spot bluffs in online poker can be very difficult. Many players are very aggressive online, especially when there is no money at stake. The best thing to do is watch their style of play and even keep notes to help you remember.