On all online poker sites, you can observe tables in play. As dorky as it sounds, it’s very interesting to watch some of the bigger level cash tables, especially when there are pros at them. You not only see how higher stakes tables play, but you get to see how a pro deals with similar obstacles as you do at the lower stakes.

It’s often said that it’s easier to make the decision when you’re out of the hand, and you can clearly make a case for this in observing good players. You can often tell when players are drawing, slow playing and just plain bluffing just by their betting patterns. These things are harder to see when you are invested in your cards and in a hand. Sometimes, watching a poker table for a half hour can be a great reset on how you’re playing at your own tables.

It is also a good idea to check out the current level that you play at. Usually there are a handful of players that you play with who play the same stakes as you. It might be easier to see how they play by watching their tables instead of playing at them. You can keep a record of hands that they show down, how many times they open for a raise and win. Of course, all of these things can be accomplished with programs like pokertracker. However, sometimes being able to come to the conclusions yourself has more meaning than reading a transcript of the results.

I highly recommend taking some time away from your game to observe both professional poker players as well as your regular opposition.