The rec whose voice changes or who talks more than usual when he bets has a strong hand. Nerves come out when there's real money at stake and they actually have something to protect.

Why they do it

Recreational players get nervous when they're involved in a big pot with a strong hand - not when they're bluffing. Bluffing recs go quiet, look away, and try to disappear. Recs with strong hands get chatty, their voice changes pitch, or they start explaining themselves. It's backwards from what you'd expect but it's consistent.

The adjustment

When the rec starts talking during a big hand after betting, give their hand more credit. They're not running a bluff. They're nervous about protecting something real.

What it's worth

Hero calling a chatty rec's river bet and losing to top set when you had two pair is a completely preventable mistake. Notice the pattern. Trust it.