Gauging betting patterns

[floptrips]

As a newbie, I find it tricky to assess/remember the betting style of my opponents. Is it just a case of concentrating harder (teetotalism might help) or is there some kind of mental gimmick, or do you just focus on a few players...? 

[TightEnd]

  welcome to Blonde

I always watch the action even if I'm not in the pot....valuable information is especially gained if cards are showed down

I never read magazines etc...just concentrate on the table as a whole. I also never drink at the table, but that's just my choice...I'm not saying it's wrong!!

try and look for tells and regular patterns in body language, betting patterns etc, but be aware the better players will mix up the betting styles with various hands...fewer and fewer are easily readable these days

[ACE2M]

Tighty is bang on there. Pay particular attention when there is a showdown, the information gathered here as to what cards people will raise, check and call down is invaluble.