One of the disadvantages of playing poker online is that you can’t actually look at your opponents and see those nervous tics that give them away. That doesn’t mean they aren’t sending out signals though, you just need to know how to read them.

The chat box will let you know a lot about the people you are playing with. Remember that they are just people, so you can often figure them out by reading their comments. Someone who has had their chat privileges revoked will be more likely to tilt. Someone who rants and raves during the game is likely playing emotionally and is not in the best frame of mind to make intelligent decisions.

If you play with the same players for several hands, notice how they play. Their actions will let you know how to beat them. Some people are quick to fold, others take the blind out of position. Watch carefully and don’t only pay attention to your own cards. You might not be able to look the other players in the eye, but you can certainly make some guesses about them by watching how they play.

Make sure you take advantage of all the tools available to you, as well. On some poker sites, you can check the other player’s statistics so you have a better idea of how they play before you even get into the game. This can help you predict what they are going to do and may give you the leg up on the game that you need.

Online poker can be a little more difficult because you are not able to see exactly what the other players are doing. A good poker player, however, knows how to read tells even online . . . it is simply a matter of observation.