Players using hole carding use a combination of observation, deduction, and memory to identify and track specific cards or patterns in the dealer's hand. They study the dealer's behavior, body language, and playing style to recognize subtle cues that indicate the presence of certain cards, such as a card being dealt from the bottom of the deck or a specific card being played. By making mental notes of these cues, players can build a mental picture of the dealer's hand and make informed decisions about their own bets and plays.