"Reading" in poker refers to the skill of understanding and interpreting an opponent's actions, behaviors, or mannerisms at the poker table. A "read" is a specific instance of this understanding and interpretaion.

What is a Read in Poker?

In poker, a "read" is the term for one player's justified belief about the holdings of their opponent. This comes from clues about the opponent's strength or weakness in a hand. Being able to get a read on your opponent is a crucial skill in poker, as it is a key part of what informs a player's decisions about how to play a hand.

Understanding Reads

Understanding reads requires a good deal of observation, experience, and intuition. It is important to not just focus on the cards, but also to pay attention to your opponents' behavior.

Reads can come from physical tells, betting patterns, player conversation, or even previous hands.

Using Reads

Using a read effectively can give a player a significant edge at the poker table. However, you need to make sure you allow for the accuracy and specificity of a read in your strategic decisions.

A read can be as specific as knowing a players exact two cards in a game of Texas hold'em or as general as feeling a player thinks they are strong.

Example of a "Read"

If you are playing a hand of no limit hold'em and a very tight-passive player reraises you preflop from early position, everything about their hand indicates they are very strong. You might say that you read that player as having a range of pocket aces, kings, or queens and any ace-king.

• "He made a successful read on his opponent's bluff, allowing him to win the pot."
• "She has a reputation for being able to make accurate reads, making her a formidable opponent at the poker table."
• "Despite his read, he decided to fold, not wanting to risk too many chips on one hand."

Read in Poker FAQs

What is a Read in poker?

A read in poker refers whenever a player interprets an opponent's actions, behaviors, or mannerisms in a way that produces conclusions about the strength or weakness of their opponent's hand.

How can I improve my ability to make reads?

Improving your ability comes from practice, study, and close observation. The more you play poker and pay attention to your opponents' behavior, the better you'll get at making reads.

Can reads always be trusted?

Reads can be accurate and specific to wildly varying degrees. You should factor into your use of reads how reliable the clues are and how strong your conclusions.

What types of behavior can provide reads?

Reads can come from a variety of behaviors, including physical tells (like fidgeting or eye movements), betting patterns, player conversation, previous hands, table dynamics, and meta-game factors.

Can I use reads in online poker?

While physical tells aren't available in online poker, you must still make reads online. Usually these reads come from betting patterns and your understanding of general player types at a given level.