Poker Lesson: Reading auto-play

Most online poker rooms offer players the opportunity to use the 'auto-play' function during their poker sessions. Players can use auto-play by marking boxes for raising, calling, checking or folding at the bottom of their screen. Once the action comes to the player, the poker software will act according to which box has been marked.

Boxes can be useful when a player needs to step away from the computer momentarily, or is playing multiple tables at one time. However, it is important to realise that auto-play is one of the clearest tells available in online poker, and easily allows opponents to read the strength of a hand.

As such, players are advised not use auto-play functions unless they have no other option. Instead, any player serious about learning how to get the most out of online poker would do well to develop the skill of detecting which of their opponents are using auto-play and what this says about their hand strengths.

Detecting auto-play: auto play can be detected in any instant response by another player. A player using auto-play will perform an action before the timer has started its count-down.

Instant raise: A strong hand. The player is so confident they hold the winning hand that they're not concerned about what is happening on the board – be cautious!

Instant call: Player is waiting to make a potentially strong hand on the turn or the river. If the player suddenly raises on the turn or river you'll know they've most likely made their hand.

Instant check: Player is hoping for the best on the turn or river, but is most likely holding a marginal hand. Raising the players will often cause the auto-play to fold their hands.

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