How Not to Suck at Poker: Stop Talking So Much

It’s Not Just What You Say

Typically, it’s not what you say at the table that gives away information. It’s how you say it.

A human under stress does odd things. When you make a move that inspires someone to try and fish for information, you’re very likely already under some stress – or about to be.

If you’re not under stress – or show no signs of it at least – that’s even as much of a tell as if you are.

Observant players who are great at reading people can gauge almost exactly how strong you think your hand is by how you interact with them. Pauses, inflection, breathing, your eye line … all of these come together as information for your opponent.

The important thing to remember is that in general they’re looking for deviations from your regular behavior. If you’re usually very talkative and suddenly clam up, it might mean you’re nervous about holding a marginal hand, for example.

At the end of the day it’s helpful to develop a routine and stick to it in high-pressure situations.

Example:

Imagine you’re in a tournament holding A K , and you face a large three-bet from an opponent in late position. They say, “That’s a pretty big raise, huh?” in a casual tone. If you respond quickly and confidently, it might show strength, but even the speed of your response can give away a clue. A single pause or a slight change in tone can let them know you’re not as comfortable as you seem. By staying quiet, you guard your real thought process and prevent leaks.

Related Reading:

• How to Avoid Paying the Table Talk Tax

The Right to Remain Silent in Poker

You’re also under no obligation to answer a person’s questions at the poker table.

If you’re not acutely aware of your image or you don’t have strict control over your own emotions, actions and reactions at the table, chances are you want to stay silent.

Just like everything else in poker, if you don’t do it the same way every time then everything can be a tell. If you only answer questions when you have the nuts, people will catch on to that.

Keep your mouth shut and you can guarantee that you don’t give away any information.

For example, let’s say you hold Q Q and flop a set on a board of Q 7 2 . A talkative opponent asks you, “That flop must have missed you, right?” If you smile and say, “Not really,” in a joking tone, you could be revealing confidence. But by calmly checking or quietly calling their bets, you give away less about your actual hand strength.

At the same time, no need to be a jerk. If someone asks you a non-poker question (not during a hand), obviously reply and converse in any way you see fit.

Related Reading:

• 10 Simple Poker Tells You Can (Usually) Bank On

Incorporating Psychological Tools

Professional players often combine psychological tactics with a grounded understanding of betting strategies. By making calculated remarks—at times sounding hesitant, at other times projecting confidence—they can manipulate opponents into second-guessing. Always remember that this is a tightrope walk: once you break your usual pattern, observant adversaries might detect something off.

It’s worth mentioning that advanced solvers and GTO principles revolve around maintaining balanced play. In live poker, though, the human factor often overrides pure solver strategies. Mixing a strong mental game with occasional well-timed table talk can help you exploit weaknesses that solvers wouldn’t necessarily account for. Stay conscious of your table persona, refine your emotional control, and weave verbal elements into your skill set only if you can remain consistent under pressure.