Texas Hold'em Poker Tells That Indicate a Bluff

Knowing how to spot a bluffer in Texas Hold'em poker is a valuable skill. Since deception is a given in Texas Hold'em, knowing when a player is luring you into thinking that they have a good hand will help you call of their bluff and keep them honest.

If you suspect that a player is bluffing, it is best to do two things: if you have enough money and a strong hand, raise; or if you have a mid-range hand, call until they give up. But of course, before you do that, you need to know if they are really bluffing.

Here are some common Texas Hold'em poker tells that indicates that a player is bluffing:

1. They gaze intently at the remaining active players

Poker players who want to evoke strength will often stare down at the remaining players. This tell is made to intimidate the remaining players into folding. Inexperienced poker players will often fall for this, as some players are really good at performing that almost murderous gaze.

If a player who is still in hand fixes their gaze at you, do not stare back, just focus on whatever you are doing. Stare at your chips or other player's chips, or on the board cards. Perform chip tricks. If you could also perform that almost killer-like gaze, then you may want to stare back. Otherwise, steer clear and call like crazy.

2. Aggressively placing their bet

This does not only mean aggressively betting, such as raising like there's no tomorrow. A bluffing player will sometimes place their chips violently. Sometimes they will even throw their chips onto the center pot (which is a really bad poker behavior).

If you spot a player really aggressively betting (both in the poker and literal sense), then you have spotted a poker tell that indicates a bluffer. Call and raise until they give up.

3. Too much excitement

This poker tell is more common in beginning players. Since new players are often excited about doing the super-popular strategy of bluffing, they will most often show too much excitement. They will hold their breath, tap their fingers, stand up and sit down repeatedly.

If you see a tense and excited player, they are most probably bluffing. Put on your stone-cold poker face and raise them until you finally keep them honest.

Remember that more experienced and better players will often use these common tells to lure you into thinking that they are bluffing, when they actually have a great hand. This rough guide is only here to help you get started on catching tells. The best way to spot bluffers is still to keep track of your opponent's behavior while in the game.