How Can You Tell If Someone Is Bluffing in Poker?

You cannot reliably identify a bluff from one gesture. Start with the betting and the board, then use behaviour as supporting information—not a secret decoder ring.

A stare is not a hand history. Neither is a shaking hand.

Read the hand before the person

I would start with what the opponent is representing.

Which strong hands fit their actions? Which missed draws could reach this point? Have you actually seen this player bluff similar situations, or are you borrowing a reputation they have not earned?

Imagine a river bet after an obvious draw misses. That creates a possible bluff. It does not prove the bettor has it: strong made hands can take the same line.

Then consider behaviour against that player’s usual habits.

Somebody who talks constantly going quiet is an observation worth remembering. A quiet stranger staying quiet tells you much less. Avoid assigning certainty to a pattern after one showdown.

Finally, check the price. Suspecting a bluff and having a worthwhile call are different questions. Your hand needs to beat enough of their betting range for the amount you must pay.

My order is simple: betting story, plausible hands, player history, then physical clues.

Read the whole hand.

Not just the bloke doing the staring.