Top 8 Ways To Spot A Poker Bluff (Even Online!)

Spotting a poker bluff online is tricky. In offline play, you can watch body language and get physical cues as to when someone is bluffing. Usually unless they are a professional, all poker players give off signs they are bluffing through body language. Online, though, you don't have the ability to read body language, so how can you tell if someone is bluffing?

People still give off signals, even online, that they are bluffing. Some are better at covering, but others are a little loose and easy to catch. Either way, the following are 8 ways that you can spot a poker bluff online.

1. Pay attention to chatter. Some people cannot seem to hold their tongue. Some people who bluff will be chatting away. What they say may not match up to how they play and that is what you are watching for. Players may just reveal their bluff in what they say without ever realizing it.

2. A person bluffing may raise before the flop and quickly raise again. They are driving up the pot and hoping you don't have a hand you feel confident about.

3. If someone jumps into the game quickly or chooses to sits out and then changes their mind right as the cards are being dealt then they are someone to watch. They probably won't have a good hand, but are simply impatient. If they keep raising or they call quickly then chances are they are bluffing.

4. It is always smart to watch someone who goes all in with a low show on the table. This person may just be ready to call it a day and figures why not go out on a high note.

5. Get to know playing styles. The best players mix up their style, but your average player will usually follow the same general patterns. If someone starts playing odd then they should be watched. They may have a good hand, but chances are they are trying to bluff. Get to know the other players styles so you can spot when things are not quite right.

6. Watch aggressive or loose players. If you notice someone who is always playing aggressively then you never really know when to trust them because they cannot possible have an amazing hand every time.

7. Another thing about watching players - watch what is shown at the end. If someone keeps falling short then you know they like to bluff and you will keep an eye on them in the future.

8. People who play fast are a danger. Someone who is just playing fast and not putting thought into what they are doing is a loose cannon. They may not even have a clue how to play. Don't let them get you. Watch what they play and don't buy into their bluff.

These 8 ways to spot a poker bluff should help you to start being able to cut through the bluffs that are thrown your way online. After some practice and some time you should start to be able to spot online bluffs just as easily as you do during an offline game.