A tell is a technique used in poker wherein a player either says or does something that gives an opponent an idea about what cards they have in their hand and what they may be thinking of doing next. The world's best poker players do not just rely upon their skills and luck to win, instead they know how to read the clues other players are sending to assist them in finding the strength and weaknesses of their opponents.

Some of the most common tells are licking of the lips, thein which a player holds or shifts his cars or how they play with their chips.

There are two basic kind of tells and they both show the level of stress, anxiety or sense of confidence the opponent is feeling. The first kind of tell are rather obvious signs that are shown with the shifting of the cards, leaning one's body forward or backwards and a change in betting habits. The second type are more difficult to conceal and to control. These may include such actions as tugging on an ear, cupping the chin or hand rubbing. These are just as important to keep an eye on as they can reveal much.

The key thing to remember with tells is that not only must you notice the behaviors, but you have to actually link what you have seen with the pattern of behavior. In other words, you have to make a mental note of when they are bluffing and when they start out with a good hand. The easiest and most effective way of doing this is to keep an eye on each player as soon as they pick up their cards and again when they begin to place bets. Look for any obvious signs that connect these with theresults of that particular hand. Of course you will have to be alert and make many mental notes, but if you are able to do so, you will surely be at an advantage.