Common Tells (#2): The Poker Face
If body language is an important tell then the most important part of your opponent’s body to watch is their face. We’ve all heard the term “poker face”, but truly controlling your facial expressions is not as easy as it sounds. Take just one session at the poker tables (or just stand near a table and watch) study the player’s faces and you will see nervousness, excitement, anxiety, shock, fear and confidence.
There are players who are completely unaware that their facial expressions are giving away their hands. Others are trying so hard to not show any signs they get so stone-like when they have a hand that the non-expression gives them away. Some players will tighten their jaw when they hit, others will begin to blink wildly when they bluff. If you pay attention you will become aware of patterns in their facial expressions that will give you information what they hold in their hands.
Eyes dilate, veins bulge, lips purse, nostrils flare. The “Poker Face” is known by everyone but mastered by few; all of the others are giving off tells that you should learn to decipher.
-This is Beginner’s Poker Forum Post #103
