Just like any other card games, poker is a game of skill. One of the most important skills you should master as a poker player is the ability to outwit your opponents by getting them to hold ‘em, particularly when it is to your advantage. As such, it is extremely important not to let other players know your hand, regardless of having a good or bad hand. The most effective way to do this is to keep a poker face, so your opponents are always left guessing your hands. It also helps in leading your opponents into actions you wish them to make.

In keeping a poker face, the most important thing you should keep in mind is to be consistent of your behavior, facial expressions and body language. These gestures should be the same for every hand you hand, even when you have a winning or losing hand. If you consistently make no facial expressions, your opponents cannot read your “tells”. Once you change any of your consistent actions, your opponents can tell you’re bluffing.

In situations when you can’t help but smile when you have a good hand, such as four aces, one of the most effective ways to hide your smile is to clench your teeth together. Even before your turn arrives, decide on your next move and distract yourself with something else so that your face or body movements won’t reveal your good hand. Once your turn comes up, think ahead of your next plans, instead on focusing on your hand.

When you have a good hand or when you’re bluffing, be conscious about your eye movements and facial muscles. Keep your nostrils in check, so that it won’t flare up when anxious or excited. Keep breathing regularly and avoid twitches, blinking and other unnecessary gestures. Some people unconsciously raise their eyebrows when they have a good hand, which you should avoid at all cost. In addition, make sure not to re-adjust your chair or your position because it is the most recognizable tells in poker to indicate a good hand.

To keep a poker face, you have to be a little more confident in your game. Plan your moves in advance, so that when your turn comes, you won’t be caught with unnecessary movements during your turn. Avoid scratching your head, sighing or giving any signs of disappointment. Calmly think about your hand and your plan, so you can always make a move with authority and without hesitation. Having a poker face won’t be complete if you cannot show self-control.

Tags: Online poker, texas holdem

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 11th, 2008 at 8:25 am and is filed under Poker Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.