Adjusting to poker tells in live tournaments requires keen observation, pattern recognition, and contextual awareness. One must differentiate between reliable tells and nervous habits, considering the player's overall demeanor and betting patterns. Observing changes in breathing, posture, or hand movements during critical moments can provide valuable insights. It's crucial to avoid over-interpreting single tells and instead look for consistent behavior patterns. Adapting to tells also involves understanding how different players might intentionally mislead, so maintaining a balanced and skeptical approach is essential.