If a player wants a call, he’ll be very careful not to frighten you. In players mind, overly forceful or exaggerated betting moves will make his hand appear strong.
The key to interpreting your opponent’s hand by the manner he bets is not so hard. If the move is too dynamic, you should suspect weakness. If it’s quiet and smooth suspect strength.
When a player couples his wager with the words, “I’ bet,” or something similar in an optimistic tone, there’s a good chance he is weak or bluffing. If he says nothing his bet is a negative tone, figure him for a strong hand.
In a sense, the whole science of interpreting betting moves run contrary to what you might at first expect. You’ve already learned that players who are bluffing or weak often try to blend it with tablecloth after betting. Then shouldn’t you expect a player who’s bluffing to bet in a very sedate manner so as not to call attention to himself.
No. The reason is that bluffers try to disappear only after their bet. At that times they’re not required to do anything but sit and wait their fate. While waiting, they try do nothing that might trigger your call. But while betting, they don’t have luxury of doing nothing. No matter what they might desire, they know theey’re sure to call attention to themselves while placing the bet. Hat’s why they revert to trying to disguise their hand and strong when weak.
Betting with extra emphasis is an attempt to appear strong. It means weak. Betting casually is an attempt to appear weak. It mean strong. A casual bet is frequently accompanied by other overt signs of pretended weakness: shrugging,sighing and negative tones of voice.
