Originally Posted by euphoricism

I just completed a course on the study of kinesics (which is really a broad term for Body Language) in an interview/interrogation environment (criminal justice major)

Here's somethings off the top of my head that might be
applicable to a live game.

The easiest part of the body for someone to control is their head. The hardest control is the legs, due to the large size of the muscle group. Watch for shaking legs (kinda hard with a table inbetween -- one of the key reasons Police dont like to interrogate with a desk between the suspect and themselves)

The nose is comprised of very sensitive tissues that are highly susceptible to stress. Probably among the most sensitive. Watch for a twitchy nose, or someone who scratches their nose while their eyes and head remain very still. Its a sign of deception.

Remember however that you must obtain a base-line status for all "tells". Think of a polygraph -- first they ask you simple questions, whats your name, address, place of birth. They dont care the answer, they want to see what your base heart rate, galvanic skin response is, etc etc. Then they ask "known lie" questions, such as "have you ever stolen something?" knowing full well that everyone has stolen something at some point. They want to compare a question that might induce a lie to a question that wont induce a lie. Then they ask the "heavy" questions and compare from there.

Theres a lot of people I bet who dont take into account the base rate of these things. Like the so-oft mentioned shaky hand when betting. Do they ALWAYS shake? If so, this is meaningless.

Etc.

Google and look around for Kinesics, I dont know what you'll find, but it might be applicable.

Oh, "blocking behaviors". Legs crossed, arms crossed, holding a drink against their chest, these are all done to create a perceived barrier between the stressor and the person.

Whats the first thing you do when you go to a party in which you dont know anyone? Get a drink. And while it might be because you want a drink, a lot of it is because you want an excuse for your hands to be across your chest. (Also a good way to guage someones comfort level at a party -- how they hold a cup.)

I'll stop rambling.

Kinesics and Occulesics (study of eye movements in relation to deception/truth) are cool, google and see what pops up.

Originally Posted by bigspenda73

I think talking gives up way more info about your hand than it does his. The only time I'll ever talk to another player is when I am completely stumped. I generally will call a talkative player and fold to a quiet one. Players who try to talk back are attempting to appear strong and those who are quiet do not want to give away the strength of their hand. To me, someone sitting quietly after an all-in bet is probably screaming in their head "call me god damnit"