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Bluffing in Poker

Often, before a deal is completed and each player puts up an ante, there are signs to watch to tell a bluffer from a real one, a lie from a true call.

The nervous system operates in quick and automatic responses. A receptor gets a stimulus and signals the brain. When the brain classifies this, it signals a body part for reaction. All this at split-second speed.

The process is automatic. When the eyes see something coming, the brain sends danger signals to the right eye. The right eye blinks.

The brain, in this process, cannot be controlled. A reaction will happen. But some people can slightly control the reaction by either holding it or faking another one.

To be able to fake reactions, the following exercises may be helpful:

1. Watch something really funny and keep from smiling or grinning. Much less opening the mouth. This works out control on the facial muscles.

2. Face an electric fan and try not to blink. Try different speed levels. If the weakest speed seems too hard for the eyes, stand some feet away from the fan. Decrease distance as the eyes adjust endurance.

3. Now, this is the best training and test. If Tom and Dick want to master the art of faking, Tom should have Dick talk to Harry. Harry's not Tom's acquaintance. Now Dick must talk on the wildest things about Tom - wild enough to make Harry react. Tom must be there with them, looking straight at Harry, showing cool and finesse, as Dick's stories get wilder beyond imagination. Dick's face must also equal his faked composure. Should Harry sense the gag on him, or should any laughter break, Tom and Harry fail the test.

To be able to tell faked reactions, here are some helpful tips:

1. Watch the eyes. Uneasy eyes often show insecurity or eagerness. The guy may be faking something. But soft, piercing eyes are confident eyes that may be up for a surprise. Sometimes, though, these eyes also try to hide defeat.

2. Watch the fingers. If they tap uneasily on the table or lap, they may be showing impatience - probably the cards he holds are losing ones and he wants fresh cards dealt anew.

3. The crooked brows. They often show disappointment.

4. Hand on mouth. This often seems to say, "Why these cards?" or "Oh no!"

5. An obvious smile or show of confidence.

Faking reactions are never absolute. A measure of truth remains in the person and gives him away if he's not careful. There will be some remnants of truth left in the reaction for sharp eyes to catch, and reactions are often mixed to fake already faked reactions. Remember, practice makes perfect.