Hey everyone,

I have been playing NL poker online for quite awhile now, although I do play live occasionally, I admit it is not very often (usally once a month).

Now I have not had increditable success at live games, I still usally hold my own and place in the money. But I feel as though I have not quite yet mastered reading players. Usally I just play the cards and observe other players bets. Even when I think I have picked up some kind of tell on another player I tend not to try and capitilize on it. I usally fear that it could a "fake" tell, and not worth the risk.

Im sure that this is just a kind of skill that can only be developed by playing live more often, however I was wondering how others have advice on making the transition from online to live easier.

First off, most players have no idea what a tell is, so don't be overly concerned about reverse tells. While they do happen, you can quickly figure out who the good players are and who sucks donkey balls.

Everyone is a little different, but some things to watch for are:

1) Player shows no interest . . . daydreaming, watching the cocktail waitress, etc., then suddenly sits up, and comes to life. Probably has a hand he wants to play. You need a much stronger hand to come in now.

2) Players who look at their cards too early. Start with the player on your left. If he looks at his cards before it's his turn, is there a pattern when he is going to fold or play? For instance, many players will ever so slightly push their cards away from them when they intend to fold (I'm talking a quarter inch). Be careful to get a couple reads before you use it (some players are fairly random).

3) How people handle their chips. Just observe and see if you see a pattern.

4) Be consistent with your own actions. Don't verbally bet when you've got a hand then use chips when you're bluffing. Do the same action, every time, no emphasis on placing chips in the pot. Just come up with some routine and practice it about 30 times until you feel you've got it. Get a mirror or video camera out, and watch yourself do the motion.

Anyway, start with that stuff. I'm sure other players have much more . . .