Hand reading is poker's most valuable skill. Rather than guessing specific hands, skilled players narrow opponent ranges through logical deduction and betting analysis.
Thinking in Ranges: Don't put opponents on specific hands—consider all hands they might hold. Preflop, estimate their opening range. Each action (bet, check, raise) eliminates hands from their range. By the river, you've narrowed possibilities significantly.
Preflop Range Construction: Tight players open 15-20% of hands; loose players open 30-40%. Position expands opening ranges—button opens wider than under the gun. Estimate opponent tendencies, then refine based on observations.
Flop Action Narrowing: When opponents bet, remove hands that would check. When they check, eliminate hands that would bet for value or protection. Each action provides information about their range composition.
Sizing Tells: Large bets often indicate polarized ranges (very strong or bluffs). Small bets suggest marginal value hands or inducing calls. Unusual sizing deserves extra attention as it's often strength-dependent.
Turn Analysis: Turn cards change range composition. If a flush completes and opponent bets, add flush draws to their range. If a blank arrives and they bet again, their range strengthens as weak hands would check.
River Decision-Making: By the river, ranges are narrow. Consider which hands took this exact betting line. Don't focus on what they might hold—eliminate hands inconsistent with their actions.
Checking Strong Hands: Good players sometimes check strong hands, complicating hand reading. Assume opponents aren't trapping unless they've shown this tendency. Adjust as you gather information.
Blocking Analysis: Your cards block certain opponent hands. Holding the ace of spades reduces flush possibilities when three spades appear. Account for card removal when estimating opponent holdings.
Player Type Adjustment: Tight players' ranges are stronger after betting; loose players' ranges are weaker. Aggressive players bluff more; passive players bluff less. Tailor range estimates to opponent type.
Sequencing Tells: How quickly opponents act provides information. Quick calls suggest drawing hands; delayed calls indicate tough decisions. Online players especially reveal timing tells.
Common Mistakes: Fixating on specific hands, ignoring preflop action, and forgetting previous streets. Hand reading is cumulative—consider the entire hand history.
Practice Methods: Review hands after sessions, thinking through opponents' possible holdings at each street. Discuss hands with skilled players to compare range estimates. With practice, hand reading becomes intuitive.
Responsible Gaming: Strong hand reading doesn't eliminate variance or guarantee winning. Maintain proper bankroll management and realistic expectations regardless of your skill level.