Online Poker: Betting Patterns To Watch For

• Bet size - many online players make smaller continuation bets (+/- 30% of the pot) when they miss the flop. This sometimes can be deceptive because some players will frequently do this when they flop a monster. They will also fluctuate bet size with the strength of their hand before the flop. Usually, smaller bets mean weaker hands. When you are in the blinds, beware of a small raise from the button when it is folded around. Many times this indicates a strong hand.
  

• Continuation bets: does a player frequently make a bet after the flop? Many players that make continuation bets will check the flop when they hit a monster. A check from an aggressive player on the flop usually indicates a monster.
  

• Players that check/call out of position on the flop that bet out the turn usually have a strong hand.
  

• A player first to act that check/calls on the flop and the turn and bets the river almost always has a big hand.
  

• A player that min bets the flop is nearly always on a draw. It is a defensive bet to keep other players from betting out.
  

• A minimum reraise (example: you raise to 100, he makes it 200) before the flop usually means a aces or kings. They are building the pot, looking for action.
  

• Raises that are larger than usual (6-7 BB for example) usually mean a medium pair or Ace/King.
  

• Strong players that just call large bets after the flop have either big hands or big draws (flush draws + 2 over cards, straight flush draws, etc). Strong players will either bet/raise or fold. They typically won't play draws unless they have the odds to do so.

• If someone does something consistently and suddenly alters their play, it's almost always a sign of strength.

• The min re-raise preflop is almost always AA/KK. The limp re-raise is almost always AA/KK.

• In short, look for bets/raises/calls that are unusual - too big or too small - or just simply out of character.