Catching Emotions through Poker Tells
Do what one would if it's possible to see the cards of the opponent and winning poker is guaranteed. Actually looking at the opponent's cards may be impossible, but it's quite possible to "see" what the opponent has through visible emotions.
It's vital to see the connection between body language and emotions. Poker tell is a body language apparent in a poker player under stress. Accordingly, body language in poker is classified in two: a gesture and a tell. A gesture is purposefully used to establish better communication. If a player wants to put something across clearly to another player, like a feign, intentional gestures are made. But when a player unwittingly manifests reactions or expressions due to stress or excitement which is better kept concealed, it's a tell. It's a great advantage catching emotions through poker tells.
Ordinary communication often consists mostly of gestures or non-verbal messages, and only a small percentage of words. This is not to say that most people seldom talk. Though lots of words may be exchanged in a conversation, more communication is done through body language. This is especially true in poker. Not much conversing happens in poker games except some remarks or exclamation. But lots of communication is exchanged if only a player pays more attention to the body languages that manifest---gestures and tells.
It should be easy to tell a feign from a genuine reaction. If verbal and non-verbal communications are consistent, what one sees is usually what one gets. But the moment the two disagree, something's not right and catching emotions through poker tells is easy by counting on the emotional reaction. Between what is said and the body language, go for the latter. At times, too, the issue is between two non verbals. A poker player may be smiling good but actually holds a weak hand. Or, the player may frown while holding a strong hand. In this case, it's advisable to go for the betting body language.
Body language during betting is an ultimate tool for catching emotions through poker tells. The player may say something and feign a visage effect, but watch the player's betting: how much, how soon, and what the reaction is before and after betting. Even the way the bet was made or released. All these speak louder than words or facial expressions. There's something in humans---more so in gamblers---when money matters are concerned, especially during paying out.
Be sure to distinguish between a gesture and a tell, and between non-verbals.