Tell

A 'Tell' in poker refers to a change in a player's behavior or demeanor that is thought to give clues to that player's assessment of their hand.

What is a Tell in Poker?

In poker, a 'Tell' refers to any change in a player's behavior, demeanor, or physical reaction that gives clues about their hand or their intended actions. Some players, especially inexperienced ones, have obvious tells. However, good players can often hide their tells or may even fake tells to deceive their opponents.

Understanding a Tell

Tells can take many forms and can be either physical (like a facial expression or a hand gesture) or verbal (like a change in the tone of voice or the speed of speech). They can be very subtle and can require keen observation and experience to spot.

Using Tells

Understanding and using tells can be a significant part of poker strategy. By observing their opponents' tells, players can gain information that can help them make better decisions about how to play their hands.

Example of a "Tell"

For instance, a player who always scratches their nose when they have a strong hand would be said to have a tell.

• "He noticed his opponent's tell - a slight twitch of the eye when bluffing."
• "She used her knowledge of her opponent's tell to fold when he had a strong hand."
• "Despite his best efforts, he gave off a tell that his opponents picked up on."

Tell in Poker FAQs