THE WORLD'S #1 POKER MANUAL - Card Games

Poker Book, Increasing the Edge Odds
Ways of looking at opponents are also important: The good player controls the position of his head and
eyes to avoid a direct stare at those opponents who become cautious and less readable when feeling
observed. He will, however, stare directly at those players who get nervous and more readable when
feeling observed. In some games, especially public games, the good player may wear dark glasses to
conceal his eye actions.
When involved in action, the good player reads his opponents and then makes his play accordingly.
When not involved in the action, he analyzes all players for readable patterns. At the conclusion of each
pot, he correlates all revealed hands to his observations. By that technique, he can discover and build an
inventory of readable patterns for each opponent.
The most valuable pages in John's black leather notebook describe the readable patterns of his
opponents. For example, consider his notes about Scotty Nichols:
Readable Patterns of Scotty Nichols
Before hand--When winning, breaking even, or losing slightly, he plays very tight and never
bluffs. Stays to end only when holding a strong hand. When losing heavily, he panics--he plays
wildly while trying to bluff far too often. Once hooked in a hand, he stays to the end.
Receiving cards--Grabs for each dealt card when a good hand is developing. Casually looks at new
cards when holding a poor-potential hand.
Dealing--Usually flashes bottom card when picking up the deck. Often flashes cards he deals to
himself.
Looking at cards--When planning to play, he looks to his right. When planning to raise, he looks
to his left. When planning to drop, he looks blankly into space.
Handling cards--Leaves cards on table when he intends to fold. If holding a playable pair, two
pair, trips, a bobtail straight, or a full house, he arranges his cards and then does not disturb
them. If holding a lowball hand or a four flush, he continuously ruffles the cards through his
fingers.
Before bet--Touches his money lightly when going to call. His thumb lifts edge of money when
going to raise. Picks up money when going to bluff. Does not touch money when going to fold.
Betting--Puts money in pot with a deliberate motion when not confident, with a flicking motion
when confident, and with a hesitation followed by a flicking motion when sandbagging.
Raising--Cheek muscles flex when holding a certain winner. A stiffness develops around his upper
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