The secret that I am about to reveal has been very profitable for me. Virtually all online poker players would quit their hands pre-flop and post-flop through the speed at which they bet. I first came across this element 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 gambling two pair. Here I had made a good, I checked the river, and he bet yet again, I instinctly called him as I was beat, and could not get away from the two pair, he flipped over aces.

Reading poker players is like solving a puzzle; it’s important to gather all the pieces (information) prior to 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 very important information is that he waited for a while before betting.

Always 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 is an try to try and show your strength) and an instant call also represents strength.

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