A Tell in poker is a clue in a player’s behaviour that may reveal the strength of their hand or their intention.

How does it work?

A tell can show up in facial expression, gestures, voice, timing, the way chips are handled, or even in a kind of forced calmness. In live poker, these details matter because some of the information comes not from the cards, but from the person across the table. In simple terms, a tell is not proof. It is a signal that may help read the situation more accurately.