How to Have a Poker Face and Not Give Away Your Hand

Overview

Learn everything you need to know about having a strong poker face and not giving away your hand.

Some people are easy to read, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. You look at their face and can tell what they're thinking and feeling. While this emotional transparency is very human, it could hurt you when you're at the poker table.

You've probably heard the term “poker face” before (or at least the Lady Gaga song.) If you haven't, it's a term for keeping a blank, neutral face while playing poker or any other card game. Seeming stoic and calm are excellent tactics for keeping your opponents guessing at what you might have in your hand. If you're disappointed with what you're dealt and it shows, the other poker players can easily capitalize on this tell.

Where Does the Term “Poker Face” Come From?

The term “poker face” dates back to the 1800s. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, a poker face is "A face lacking any interpretable expression, as that of an expert poker player." 

Possibly the first published mention of the phrase came in the 1875 book “Round Games at Cards” by Henry Jones. The book details the advantage of putting on a poker face and not betraying the value of your hand during a card game.

These days, the phrase is commonplace. It's even used outside the world of poker to refer to individuals who are emotionless in difficult situations.

How Can I Use a Poker Face to My Advantage?

A poker face is an essential tool for any card player. It gives you a great advantage while playing.

If your face is easy to read, your opponents might be able to guess if you're happy with your hand, frustrated by it, or feel some emotion in between. That gives them the upper hand as they'll make decisions regarding their gameplay based on what cards they think you might be holding. If they think your hand is strong, they might decide not to play theirs. In this case, even if you win, you won't bring in as much money as you would have if they had continued playing.

The best thing you can do is remain completely neutral; don't give your opponents any indication of what you're holding. This privacy will hopefully allow you to play your hand without other players having any idea of what cards you have.

This secrecy could also trick your opponents into thinking you have a better hand than you do. Even if you have a weak hand, you can still walk away a winner by bluffing and letting other players believe your hand is better than it is.

If you're playing poker at a casino, you're more likely to utilize your poker face. Often, when you're playing at online casinos , you don't see the players at your table. However, technology has developed and evolved over the years. This means more online casinos and apps offer video chat options that allow you to look your opponents in the eye as you play, bringing the art of the poker face back into the online game.

How Can I Perfect My Poker Face?

It might sound easy, but putting on a poker face can be difficult for many people. It's human nature for your expressions and body to indicate how you're feeling. You'll need to train yourself not to let these emotions show when you're playing poker.

Here are some tips for perfecting your poker face:

• Relax your face: The most important thing to remember is to relax your face. Not only is this the first place where other poker players will look for tells but it's also where you'll have the strongest response to your hand. It all comes down to knowing how to relax quickly. Since you want to control your facial movements, you need to clear your mind before you even look at your cards. This will stop you from showing a gut reaction to what you've been dealt. Some ways to relax include deep breathing and wiggling your facial muscles.
• Don't break eye contact: No matter what hand you're dealt during a game of Texas Hold'Em or 5-Card Draw, maintain eye contact if you want to show confidence in front of the other players. By meeting their gaze, you'll exhibit cool confidence that will leave them uncertain about what cards you're holding.
• Speak naturally: This might be easier said than done, but when you speak to other players, use your natural speaking voice. If you sound strained, they might think you are concerned about your hand. If you sound elated, they might think you have an amazing hand. In either case, they'll adjust their strategy accordingly. Also, if possible, speak very little. If you're stumbling over your speech, that will give your hand away.
• Don't move your lips or eyebrows suddenly: No matter how you feel about a hand, good or bad, moving your lips or eyebrows suddenly screams drama. This indicates that you either have a very good or very bad hand.
• Wear sunglasses: Sometimes, no matter how much you practice, your eyes will give away your true feelings. Consider wearing sunglasses while playing to avoid giving your hand away.