New players often want to try their hand at an in-person game of Poker at a casino. But many players are hesitant to do this because of the fear they’ll end up seated at the same table as a professional Poker player.
Fortunately, there are several ways to tell the difference between a casual player and a pro-Poker card genius.
Below is out list of the signs to look out for. These will help you spot the pro at the table.
Look For Emotion
Poker is a psychological game, and one that requires a firm hold on emotional responses. This is why professional players have a natural advantage over beginners: they’re exceptionally good at showing no emotions or “tells”.
A pro will almost never show agitation or any other negative emotion after a bad hand. Also, pros aren’t likely to show excitement after a particularly favourable hand.
In fact, most pros will try their best to fool amateurs into thinking they’re beginners by faking a blowout or moment of success.
When trying to spot a pro, be on the lookout for emotions that appear to be in overdrive – this is often all a show.
Hole Cards
When playing https://gamblingonline.net.nz/mobile/ Texas Hold’em Poker, amateurs will almost always try and steal a glimpse at the first two cards dealt, namely the hole cards.
The professional player, however, will likely be staring at his opponents while they consider their hole cards.
And so, the next time you’re tempted to immediately check out your hole cards, look around you instead. You’re bound to spot any pros around the table by knowing what to look for.
Excitement In The Moment
New players tend to show excitement whenever different situations occur. Whenever a good selection of cards are in hand, newbies will typically begin blabbering.
Pros, on the other hand, will typically show disinterest – or even no emotions either way at all.
Age
Age is another great way to spot a professional Poker player.
For example, when you’re engaged in a game with high stakes or even a tournament with a large buy-in, you can bet your boots on the fact that the 20-year-old seated at the opposite side of the table didn’t earn his buy-in working a menial job. They’re more likely a young professional Poker player and should be treated with caution.
Stacking Chips
While this doesn’t seem like it should matter, the way a player stacks their chips can often reveal what level of proficiency they’re playing at.
A decent indication is an amateur stacking his big chips behind smaller-value tokens.
Professional players know that this isn’t the correct way and will usually do it the other way around.
Consuming Alcohol
Of everything on our list, this is probably the best way to tell whether it’s an amateur or professional you’re up against.
If a player is consuming an alcoholic drink – no matter whether it’s a single beer or a few of a stronger variety – that player is an amateur.
Professional players will never consume alcohol before or during a game.
