The secret that I am about to reveal has been very profitable for me. Nearly all great casino online poker players would give up their hands pre-flop and post-flop through the speed at which they bet. I first came across this facet of poker play at a shorthanded cash game with a couple of friends on a marginal hand. When I decided to raise, the small blind folded but instantly the big blind called me. I was suspicious of his quick call, but I bet out after flopping an ace. He called again quickly, I checked, he waited long enough before betting, I called his bet and rivered a jack for two pair. Here I had made the best, I checked the river, and he bet yet again, I instinctly called him as I was beat, and could not get away from the 2 pair, he flipped over aces.

Reading poker players is like solving a puzzle; you need to gather all the pieces (information) before making any decision. In this particular situation, the opponent player provided me with the information that at pre-flop he called me quickly, he called me again on the flop as quickly as before as well as the essential information is that he waited for a while before betting.

Remember that quick check represents weakness of the opponent, if he waits and then bets represents strength as well as a quick bet represents weakness (it’s an attempt to try to show your strength) and an instant call also represents strength.

Although, strategies are never foolproof and also you should probably base around 20% to 25% of your decision on such guidelines, but its always better to take account of the opponent player’s reputation of playing and the way he has been playing at the table.