When being dealt their hands, most players are focused solely on their own two cards, making decisions on what type of play they want to make. However, some of the most important information about an opponents hand can be deciphered to a great extent during these opening moments when they first peak at their cards. By understanding the meaning behind certain body language, you can give yourself an edge against players who are not paying attention to their natural emotions.

In order to catch these moments, you’re going to have to discipline yourself to not look at your own cards until it is your turn to act. Every pro in the world will agree with this habit, as it prevents your opponents from using your own body language against you. Now, look for the players at the table who are not waiting for their turn to act before looking at their cards. What do they do after they peak at their hand? Players that have general disinterest in their cards will look around the room or watch TV as if they don’t have a care in the world, most likely because they are about to fold when the action comes around to them.

On the other hand, if you see a player all of a sudden correct his posture, pull his chair forward and sit upright, you know he just looked at two cards he really wants to play, most likely a big pocket pair because small pairs and cards like A-J will not prompt most players to shift their body. I’ve even seen players reach for their chips pre-flop after looking at their cards, telegraphing far in advance that they plan on raising. You wouldn’t think someone would do something so obvious as that, but I’ve seen it myself.

It won’t happen every hand and it might not occur that often at all, but picking up on these slight tells can give you valuable information that will help you decide on how best to play that particular hand. And just because you think your opponent looked down at pocket aces doesn’t mean you need to throw your hand away if you can get in for cheap with cards like suited connectors, where you can possibly flop big against someone with a pocket pair who did not improve their hand on the flop. Keep your eyes open, and I guarantee you will see what I’m talking about.