Poker Body Language: The Tells You Need To Know, From A Body Language Expert

Here at Casinos.com, as you’d expect, we’re always looking to learn more about the skills and science behind our favorite games like poker. We all know that having a good poker face is essential and that even tiny twitches can be a tell to give other players an advantage – but we wanted to know even more about how body language affects the game. 

We sat down with body language expert Inbaal Honigman. Inbaal is a body language expert of over 20 years, as well as being an expert in astrology and psychic reading. 

She gave us exclusive insights into how to put on a poker face and spot a bluffer at the table – keep reading to find out her top tips.

What are the traits of a good poker player?

Inbaal tells us that “The ability to keep calm when stressed is the most useful trait for a good poker player. A poker player who can control their mind will have total control over their body language, because it is thoughts, that are behind all physical cues.”

“In a game that relies on being good at keeping secrets, it's crucial to curb any sign of tension, surprise, or overt happiness. A good poker player keeps their cards close to their chest - metaphorically speaking.”

Inbaal recommends that “An ability to train the body, to appear peaceful or neutral, is a useful characteristic for an expert poker player, but the ability to train the mind, to actually feel as if they're truly calm under pressure, is the best trait.”

What is the type of body language that can deceive a player in poker?

A poker player who is stressed, but trying to project confidence, may engage in calm body language, such as smiling, humming or raising their eyebrows, as if they noticed a pleasant surprise. Inbaal suggests that “Using slower movements, and refraining from panicky or short moves, can help a poker player appear to be doing better at the game than they actually are.

"Alternatively, keeping as still as possible can project a peaceful demeanor - so while playing poker, the player who moves the least, can appear to be doing the best. 

“The enigmatic quality of stillness, can confuse even the most experienced of poker players,” says Inbaal. 

How can you have the best poker face?

While you might have started reading this guide in the hopes of finally perfecting your poker face, Inbaal has some bad news. “The idea of the perfect 'poker face', totally still, calm and neutral, neither happy nor sad, is almost impossible to achieve.

With the other poker players scrutinizing your face for every little tic, every wink or cough, something has got to give. When you attempt the poker face, you may lose focus for a moment, and suddenly all your emotions will be etched on your face.”

So how should big-time players handle the scrutiny at the table? 

“Replace the attempt at the perfect 'poker face' with the winner's mentality of the 'poker mind',” Inbaal recommends. “All body language cues are linked to the mind, so when you feel stressed you act stressed and when you feel at peace you appear peaceful.

“If you can control your thoughts, and achieve a state of believing that you're calm, so much so that you feel totally at peace - your body language will follow suit. Staying in control over the mind is so much better than control over the body.”

How can you tell a poker player is bluffing?

When examining a poker player's body language, look for a mismatch, and you'll find a bluffer.

Inbaal’s insight? “If all body parts match - a confident stance, confident moves and a confident facial expression, there's a chance that the player is feeling confident. However, if there's a mismatch - for example, a secure stance, paired with jerky, insecure moves and a nervous facial expression - there's a good chance that someone is bluffing.”

What can you identify in someone bluffing through eye contact?

When trying to keep a secret, it's natural to worry about being found out, and those troubling thoughts can take over. Therefore, Inbaal tells us, any eye contact when lying will be brief and jumpy. “With standard, conversational eye contact, the facial expressions will match the conversation, but when bluffing, nervousness will control the eye movements.

“Excessive blinking - or alternatively, an unnatural lack of blinking - can show that the bluffer is nervous about getting found out.”

What are the common traits through body movements that someone is bluffing?

According to Inbaal, “One of the hardest body parts to control is the mouth. Body language signs like lip biting, or chewing the inside of the cheeks, or even a simple downturned mouth, can show that the player is feeling tense, and those clues are hard to hide.

“If these facial expressions flash even for a moment, they could reveal a lot about the poker player's state of mind.” 

Another thing that is hard to fake is breathing – Inbaal suggests that “shallow, short breaths signify stress, whereas natural, deep breaths are stable and confident. And notice sudden changes - if a deep, long sigh emerges, however inaudible, the player may experience a sudden wave of anxiety.”

What are three easy ways you can project confidence?

We asked Inbaal about ways to seem more confident, even if you don’t feel it – good for everyday life as well as in a game of Texas Hold ‘em! 

Inbaal says “Confident people move their bodies naturally and without stress. Their physical posture, facial expression and movements all project strength and calm.”

Her top tips for projecting confidence at the poker table are: 

Posture

“A poker player who's feeling secure sits in a neutral, alert way - feet flat on the floor, slightly parted, straight back, square shoulders and neutral arms. Most importantly, there's no fidgeting or shuffling. A confident person doesn't jiggle. Leaning to one side is normal and natural - slouching is not. A sloucher feels drained or upset.”

Facial expression

“Some poker players take to wearing sunglasses, or to chewing gum while they play, in an effort to hide nervous eye twitches or tense lip movements,” Inbaal says. “But those don't make anyone appear more confident - in fact, they give an air of overwrought tension to the player.”

Instead, Inbaal recommends signaling confidence with expressions that make you seem more at ease, like lightly parted lips, round-cheeked smiles, or slightly raised brows. “Those all signify a quiet confidence. When trying to project confidence, take great care with the mouth. A lot of tension is expressed via the lips, teeth and tongue. Keep your mouth and chin as neutral as possible, and don't squeeze or tighten anything, in order to appear more secure.”

Movements

When it comes to your movements, Inbaal says “Direct, deliberate, slow movements project an air of confidence. Jerky, quick moves create a chaos of uncertainty. Keep yourself neutrally still as much as possible, including often-forgotten parts like knees, shoulders and neck. The more peaceful your movements, the more peaceful you'll appear.”

What are the three easiest body language tells that someone is a liar?

Last, but not least, we asked Inbaal about body language and lying. Her insight? “Liars are always nervous about being found out. Their tension gives them away.”

Here are the things she recommends being on the lookout for to help you spot a liar: 

1. “Shifty eyes are helpful when trying to discover a liar. Their eyes dart from side to side, trying to see if everyone is falling for their tall tales.”
2. “Head movements like nodding and shaking can help expose a liar. If they're shaking their head from side to side, even very lightly, they're potentially lying about what they're saying, whereas subtle nods signify truth-telling.”
3. “Chest direction. When someone connects with you and is having an honest conversation, their chest will face you so that your bodies are mirroring one another. A liar will try and turn their body away to keep you from finding out the truth. If someone keeps turning away from you, they're hiding something.” 

So, there you have it – do you already know you have a couple of the tells that Inbaal has mentioned? Hopefully, with her tips, you’ll be able to start bluffing with the best of them, and clean up at your next poker tournament. And, naturally, when you’re looking for the best casinos, Casinos.com is here to help, offering trustworthy casino comparisons to help you find the right place to play.