Tells and Appearance

[Johnny Hughes]

What can you tell about the way they play poker just by looking at someone???

College age boys with torn, cherished, old hats and possibly sunglasses. There are semi-bluffers, too aggressive, desparate fifth street bluffers, easily tilted with wry questions, poker book readers. They have read Caro and can be conned with subtle acting skills. Send 'em a tell. I wish I could buy them for what they are worth and sell them for what they think they are worth. They go on tilt easier than a 1950s slot machine dancing with a drunken Sailor.

Old Dudes with cardigan sweaters, clip-on shades, crossed arms, and chips stacked neatly. They are tighter than Dick's hat band. Haven't made a fifth street bluff since Moby Dick was a sardine. They have waited and waited and waited and waited. What did you think they were waiting for? A hand as big as a foot. They get paid off, but why??

The sexy, gorgeous woman with expensive clothes, lots of jewelry, who seems puzzled by no limit Hold 'em. Befriend them and pretend to play slow at them. Con them into a big pot.

White shirt, off-duty dealers. Can't play a lick. Can't call a big all-in. Bet them the rent.

Macho Texans with all that uncomfortable big hat, big boots, big talk [censored]. If you can beat one big pair, you can win a whole lot of God's good green money. They bet way to much to protect a hand. You check it to them and they overbet marginal hands after the flop. Kung Fu their Bully ass.

College boys in torn, cherished hats. They are on tilt by now and will bluff four or five pots in a row.

Englishmen. They are tight and polite and can grin all night. They are the best mannered players, easily conned by old, tired road tricks. Like the decorated woman, befriend them and look for a chance to bust them. Act like you are playing slow at them. The old Anglophile con. The under bet fifth street at their "mates". Ask them innocently if they want to split the pot.