An excellent poker face is essential when playing physically in a gambling hall. You need to be as expressionless as possible. This way, you can remain unreadable, especially against experienced players. In this review, we will discuss eight different ways or methods of achieving a good poker face. Stay tuned.
#1 Control Facial Expressions
One and most important way to achieve a perfect poker face is to keep things neutral. You must avoid all emotions as best you can, including obvious or sudden reactions, such as smiling or frowning.
So keep track of your emotions as soon as you receive your hand. But here comes a tricky part: you should also be able to control your opponents’ expressions. Thus, you must retain control but also remain as focused as possible.
But to master the skill, you definitely need a lot of training. LuckyOnes Casino is the perfect place to get it. Here, you can start with a 20,000 AUD boost, so you won’t have to risk too match. Plus, the platform lists multiple poker variations, so you can test each one as you wish.
#2 Maintain Consistent Eye Contact
It would be the dumbest move ever to wear reflective sunglasses at a poker table. You will only be setting your failure in stone by doing so.
Instead, make sure to maintain as much eye contact with your poker opponents. Do not wander away in thoughts or dart your eyes away. Keep eye contact steady and straightforward. Control your blinks, as too many could show your anxiety or fear.
#3 Relax Your Lips and Jaws
You need your facial muscles to be as relaxed as possible. Keep your lips sealed to avoid sudden facial movement, such as a smirk. Mouth movement can tell your opponent many things about you at that moment. For instance, do not grind your teeth for any reason because you might imply a lousy hand, hence anger or anxiety.
Having issues with the part? You can also try opening and closing your mouth occasionally for relaxation purposes — this practice helped me a lot.
#4 Use Sunglasses If There is Enough Lightening
We certainly do not recommend using sunglasses when you are indoors and the lights are dim. This way, you will quickly reveal your cards through the reflections from your glasses. However, if the lighting is proper, you can use them.
Using sunglasses correctly, you can conceal your eyesight. You can fidget or stare as much as you want. You can also monitor other players’ expressions at the table without them noticing.
But remember that sunglasses are tricky, so make sure to use them prudently.
#5 Follow Your Voice
Remember, you have to always be in control. You can gently nod or shake your head instead of speaking to affirm a question. However, if you need to talk, be mindful of your tone. Also, the words you say must be wise and straightforward. You can put your play in jeopardy through inconsistent tones or emotional outbursts.
#6 Avoid Nervous Habits
Be aware that your body parts (not just your face) can affect your facial expression or composure. Avoid subconscious interactions with your face, especially when you are nervous. For instance, limit how much you touch your mouth.
A similar common mistake is biting your nails, as this action can be a giveaway of your nervousness. It is also unhealthy, so beware. There are more personalized habits that can be expressed when you’re anxious or excited. Control them as best as you can.
#7 Use Disguised Emotions
This is a universal method, the one that can conceal everything we’ve discussed previously. Bluff comes in here. By exploring the bluffing technique, you can express the opposite of your exact feeling.
You can decide to smile even though you have a poor hand. You can smirk if your opponent takes an action that may cost you your bet to throw them off. However, do not repeat these bluffs too often, as other players may notice the pattern and call your bluff instead.
#8 Mirror Your Opponents
Another common methodology is copying the facial expressions of your opponent. Bun, first, you should learn to read your room clearly. By mirroring your opponents, you will be able to blend in.
If you succeed, it becomes harder for other players to read or detect your specific reactions. This approach throws off your opponents, baffles and tangles them. However, remember to keep things moderate.
Conclusion
To succeed in poker, you must have a good poker face. Being able to pull one off can significantly impact your chances of winning, especially when playing physically. However, with practice comes perfection. So, put our poker gurus’ tips into action, and you will not be sorry.