Another example of Pius Heinz avoiding eye contact with a big hand

(Apologies: apparently the YouTube video I was linking to for this post has been removed. I will work on trying to find another video and edit this post.)

I was reviewing some WSOP footage and saw another very good example of Pius Heinz avoiding eye contact when he hits a big hand. This was the tell I talked about in my last WSOP-related post. This is pre-November-9, when they were nearing the final 9 players. A player named Pateychuk raises with QK and Heinz calls in the big blind with A9. The flop comes AQ9, giving Heinz two-pair. You should study Heinz’ demeanor in this hand, because it’s the same behavior you’ll see a lot of no-limit players make when they hit something strong. They’ll unconsciously assume a really deferential stance. They don’t want to stare at or study their opponent like they usually do, because they don’t want to intimidate an opponent. They unconsciously want to look like the prey, not the predator.

Some players will have this behavior, but some players will be more prone to avoiding eye contact when they’re bluffing. It just depends on what a player’s main tendency is, and it’s something you’ll have to notice. Assuming they have a tendency in the first place.

I’m working on my blog post about Martin Staszko’s tells at the final table. I think it’ll be a good one.