Q: Where is the first place you look for a tell? How long should it take to pick up tells on people.

John V.

Bar Harbor, Maine

PADRAIG PARKINSON - Padraig Parkinson is known as a very dangerous and clever player. He has won more than $1.3 million in tournament play. CNS Photo.

A: The way a player moves his chips can be helpful. As more and more players are studying the books written on the subject, be careful not to fall for the reverse tell. If you're really concentrating, you can pick up tells subconsciously in that sometimes you know something has happened even though you're not sure what you've seen. Trust yourself. And don't blame me if you're wrong!

Q: Ireland always seems to have led the way in European poker. Why?

Green With Envy

London

A: The Irish were playing hold'em tournaments before anyone else in Europe. The romantic aspect of no-limit hold'em just seems to appeal to them. We're all sick! Also, the fact that for a long time there wasn't a lot of easy money in the Irish poker community meant that the survivors had to get pretty good, or starve. Starving isn't very nice.

Plus, the Irish have always preferred their heroes dead! This attitude leads to a cavalier approach to poker tournament play, which, by coincidence, isn't always a bad strategy. They also travel and adapt well, thanks to the English!

Q: Is K-Q a good hand?

Just Wondering

San Jose, Calif.

A: It depends on who has it.

Q: What's more important, patience or aggression?

Trisha T.

Tom's River, N.J.

A: There's a time and a place for everything. The trick is learning when and where.

Q: Do great players have one thing in common?

Benny

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

A: Money.

Padraig Parkinson is known among his fellow pros as a very dangerous player with or without cards - or even sleep. Aggressive and clever, Parkinson has won more than $1.3 million in tournament play. Highlights include a third-place finish in the 1999 World Series of Poker Main Event, which netted him nearly $500,000, and a third place in a $1,500 no-limit hold'em event.