2. Be secretive

Be very careful not to give away information about yourself. Never look at your hand until it is your turn, and do not convey what is in it. You should study the reactions of the other players as they look at their cards. When you have made a bet, don't look at your opponent - stare at a spot on the table instead. When you have made your move, don't ever look at your opponent, and keep your mouth open to minimize facial tells.

3. If you're a woman

You'll find your opponents play you differently from men, sometimes by being super-aggressive maniacs! To counter them, isolate them and go passive.

4. After the hand

Do not show your cards unless you have to. Do not talk about your hand. If you are forced to speak, never tell the truth.

5. Check for others' tells

Don't ignore obvious information such as clothes: those who wear suits and ties are likely  be conservative, kids in baseball caps will likely be wild. Watch for patterns- most people repeat themselves endlessly.

6. Check the eyes

Bluffing is a form of lying, and the best indication of a lie is blinking. 'Hooding' - an extended blink - is the best tip off of a big lie. It's involuntary, and your opponent doesn't know they are doing it. To practice, get your kids to deliberately lie to you and then study them as they do it. It's a great game, and it will help you become a better poker player. Young people are worse liars and easier to spot.

7. Check the mouth

Lip-pursing, kneading, involuntary grimacing and , particularly, a false looking smile are signs of a bluff. Such giveaways are involuntary: experienced players know this and will often cover their mouths to avoid being caught out. watch out for older players covering their mouths with their hands in an effort to hide these involuntary bluff tip-offs.

8. Check the hands

Self-stroking is a way of comforting oneself for lying, so look out for it. Men will go to the back of their neck, while women to the front.

9. Study body movement

Exaggerated flopping back in the chair is a certain sign an opponent is bluffing. But a small natural lean back usually means a genuinely good hand. As for leaning forward - when a beginner does this it means a good hand, but if an experienced player does the same it means a bluff.

10. Stay alert

There is plenty to watch all the time even if you are out of the hand. Every move will give you useful information.

11. Don't play small suited hands

The odds are against your achieving the flush, and even if you do, there could easily be a higher one against you. If you don't, what are you left with? 7 high? Its rubbish.

12. Words of wisdom

Poker isn't about making money, it's about making good decisions. If you make the right decisions then you'll make the money.