Just stop and think

[BUILDMO]

A quick call or fold is a 'read' right?

Think about how you play the next hand.

Some may consider this slow play, but thinking is a good thing.

I consider that those that think about the hand they have (taking about 10-15 secs. to react) usually has some sort of hand or DRAW. (when they call).

Can you continue on the path of chasing to the river? or is your hand good enough to continue?

[powrdragn]

I used to believe this when I first started. However, even bad players will get caught thinking about some random things at times.

Sometimes they just have two overs or something. They might be thinking about slowplaying and putting on the check-call move. And it's even tougher when playing against a quality player.

Are they thinking you are on a draw? Is the player thinking of floating with absolutely nothing here? If he trying ot figure out how much to bet to get value?

There are definitely reads to be be picked up, just don't ever assume they are so cut and dry.

[phosphorescence]

i think the time someone takes to act is a valuable clue to their hand in online poker. especially in heads up play, where you can start to pick up patterns and use this to your advantage.

recently i've noticed i've been able to sense when someone is about to check-raise me, just from the amount of time it takes for them to check.
of course it's not foolproof, but i do think there is some extra information there with the amount of time someone takes.