[lork]

Is looking at your cards too often a big no, no in poker or does it give the apponent a thought that I am bluffing?

[pritz]

I don't think it matters too much. If you only look at your cards when you are bluffing, then it IS a problem and you shouldn't do it. If you look at it honestly to make sure of your hand, then it really doesn't matter. I have a short memory and I would look over them a few times if need be.

[johnf]

IN some people it is a tell. In other people its just a lack of concentration. I personally look at my cards once and thats it. Whatever works for you though mate

[razor]

It depends- it's also a problem if you look at the hole cards after any part of the community is revealed. To me, that would mean you're not too confident in the hand.

[chris]

One very common tell is someone looking at their hand if the flop comes down three of the same suit. They probably have two big cards, maybe a pocket pair, and are checking to see or make sure whether one of them is that suit. They almost certainly (unless they are very tricky) do not have a flush, since they would be well aware if they were suited what suit they had. I have used this as a bluff before heads up after making a big raise pre-flop. If three to a flush come up I will look at my cards then go ahead and bet even though I don't have that suit. There is a 50% chance that your opponent does not have that suit either, and he will probably fold if he doesn't, figuring there is a 35% chance you will catch a flush even if you don't already have him beat. If he calls or raises you can be pretty certain he has a flush card too.

[DeepBlue]

I prefer not to if possible - I will sometimes check before making any large bets to ensure I haven't got it wrong, but as someone said above, tells are a big giveaway and you can often react without noticing it, giving opponents an insight.