How to Tell a Casual Player from a Skilled Player

You’ve just sat down at a poker player, and you take a look at the other players. The one wearing sunglasses and a hoodie, is he a professional? What about the one in the suit? It can be a challenge to know who’s the pro and who’s the bro on vacation.

Despite popular belief, you can’t judge a poker player on their clothing. Instead, you need to look at their bet-sizing, their focus, and their interactions with the dealers. Read on to learn more about how to tell a casual player from a skilled one.

1. Bet-Sizing

One thing that sets professional players apart from amateur ones is that they know the game inside and out. As a result, they size their bets appropriately, consistently. This means that when you watch a pro player, there will never be a moment of “why did he bet like that?” or “I don’t get why he went all in.” Professional players know the game, and they will bet based on their hand and correctly for the pot, and you should pay attention.

2. Their Focus

It’s common to spot individuals joking and smiling at poker tables; these individuals are rarely the pros unless it’s part of their tactic. In general, professional players work hard to maintain their focus, which involves maintaining a straight face and keeping their eyes downcast.

There is a chance that a professional player will take the time to evaluate other players at the table, searching for common poker tells. This is why many of them wear sunglasses—so they can hide their eyes while evaluating other players. But just because someone is wearing sunglasses doesn’t mean they are a pro, and sometimes amateur players (often called “fish”) will wear them as well.

3. They Won’t Have Any Tells of Their Own

Professional gamblers spend hours training their expression and their tells to ensure that, from the outside, no one can tell what they are thinking. This means that if you are looking for tells in other players and you spot a void, this player is likely a professional.

That being said, while pro players train against the common tells, it doesn’t mean they don’t have any tells at all. This can help pro players play against each other by studying the play of that exact opponent, which many poker players do.

4. Interactions With Dealers

Professional players, while they often visit the same casinos over and over, will rarely laugh and joke with the dealers—as they know this may give their status away. There are many professional players who make a living on portraying themselves as a tourist in order to take advantage of unseasoned players.

So instead of watching for someone who “knows” the dealers, watch for them to hand over a player’s card—as high status often indicates frequent play (for example, Caesar’s Diamond). Additionally, if the player is cordial but reserved (as in the dealer may give them a subtle nod and they do the same back), this could be the sign of a player who has played in that location frequently and is trying to downplay their frequency. Also, watch the cocktail waitresses; if they know the individual’s drink order automatically, it’s a sign they’ve been there before.

5. They Don’t Mention Studying Poker

All professional poker players spend their free time studying poker, end of story. As such, there is no need for them to brag about it, as they know everyone does it. If you ever see someone bragging about a poker coach, poker course, or other course studying their game, they are likely an amateur trying to fake-sound like a professional.

Now, we don’t want you to think studying your profession is bad, because it’s not; just don’t brag about it if you truly want to become a pro.

6. They Don’t Drink

Just as you wouldn’t drink during your day job, most professional gamblers don’t drink while they play. They know that alcohol lowers even the best inhibitions, and they won’t want to sacrifice their play for a free mini vodka soda.

That being said, some pro players may order a single drink at the beginning of their play as a good luck charm, or a drink during the last round, so they can wind down for the night. Regardless, rarely should they order more than one, and if someone is ordering drink after drink, this is a sign they’re an amateur or a tourist out for a good time, not for their livelihood.

7. They Come Prepared

Casinos have rules. Maybe you found out the hard way that backpacks weren’t allowed in the one you’re in, and you spot a bunch of individuals conveniently wearing fanny packs which are allowed. This is a hint that they’ve played there before, and frequently enough to warrant such a purchase.

It’s not just them conveniently adhering to the rules. They also have their AirPods nearby, and they never have to leave the table for more cash; they’ve got everything they need right there with them. Just like you show up to work every morning prepared, they are doing the same, indicating they are there a lot—perhaps as often as you visit your job.

It is also worth noting that there are many unspoken rules of a casino, like stepping away from a table to make a phone call. A pro player will adhere to all of these and may frown at someone who doesn’t obey them because, remember, they take this seriously.

Overall, discerning a pro player from an amateur is an art all in its own. If you aren’t a professional player yet, but want to become one, then it’s time to start watching how the pros play. If you’re a tourist, just looking to have a fun vacation, be aware. That calm, silent player at the table? He or she is a pro, and they’re there specifically to win the cash you brought with you.