Reading Opponents

Bet sizing tells, timing patterns, and population tendencies.

Reading opponents is about patterns, not individual hands. One data point is noise; ten data points form a read you can act on.

Bet sizing tells (population tendencies)

Pot-sized bet or overbet on river

→ Usually polarised — either very strong or bluffing

Small bet (20–30% pot) on river

→ Often thin value or blocking bet, rarely a pure bluff

Limp preflop then call raise

→ Typically weak-passive player, often has speculative hand

Check-raise on dry board

→ Strong hand (set, two pair) much more than bluff at lower stakes

Timing tells online: Instant bet = often automated (strong hand or pure bluff with no decision). Long pause then bet = genuine decision. Long pause then check = often weakness or showdown value. Weight these lightly — good players fake timing.

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