In live poker, expert poker players rely on poker tells. Traditionally, poker tells are the body language of an opposing player to get a read on what cards they are holding or what actions they take. Poker tells are behavioural patterns related to cards, actions, and emotions of players. Some poker tells include, but are not limited to: fidgeting in the seat, placing of chips, breathing, tone of voice, facial expressions, and the directions of one's gaze. With the advent and popularity of free online poker, tell have become related other factors instead of visible body language.
Speed of play is one of the more popular free online poker tells. Providing there is not a bad internet connection the speed that a player is placing bets is a tell tale sign of what kind of hand they are holding, whether it is good or bad. Although, it is widely believed that quickness in betting is a sign of weakness and slower time to bet is a sign of strength, this needs to be analyzed more carefully.
A more precise way of working out an opponents strategy is to watch each one as an individual and see how fast they play certain hands and look out for the pattern. If possible keep track of each players speed and watch the results of their betting. For example, if a player is involved in a large pot and bets quickly after seeing the flop and eventually loses the hand, then this person's betting quickness is a sign of weakness if it is fast. A person who bets slowly in a big pot might be building the pot and indicate a strong hand when they exercise a slow rate of betting. Since each individual has his/her own style of betting speed, it is important to analyze each style before making assumptions.
Of course there are other factors related to the speed of betting on free online poker that aren't necessarily tells but an indicator of something else. Sometimes players are playing multiple tables or surfing the web while playing. Consistent slower betting from these players shouldn't be considered a tell to their cards but is simply a sign they are distracted. Consistency is critical to eliminating bet speed as a tell with this type of player. In addition, the quality of the player's internet connection can interfere with their bet speed.
Online poker tells theories have evolved over the years. It is still the best bet to analyze each player individually rather then make overall assumptions regarding tells. This holds true in both real and free online poker.