This is one of the oldest tricks in the book but is still used today. A marked deck is a deck of cards altered so that the dealer knows which cards are where. There are many ways to do this, but some common methods include:
- Using cards that have slightly different backs.
- Roughing the edges of certain cards.
- Bending the corners of certain cards.
2. The Stacked Deck
This scam is similar to the marked deck, but instead of using a special deck of cards, the dealer stacks the deck so that the good cards are on top or bottom. This can be done by:
- Flipping over the top card and placing it on the bottom of the deck.
- Removing the top card and placing it in the middle of the deck.
- Inserting a few good cards into the middle of the deck.
3. The Cold Deck
This scam involves using a deck that has been cooled to make the cards sticky. When the cards are sticky, they are more likely to stick together, making it difficult to deal fair hands.
4. The Shuffle Scam
This scam involves the dealer using sleight of hand to control the order of the cards when they are shuffled. This can be done by:
- False shuffling.
- Cutting the deck twice.
- Riffle shuffling instead of overhand shuffling.
5. The Bottom Deal
This scam involves the dealer dealing the bottom card of the deck to themselves or another player. This can be done by:
- Holding the deck in their hand and using their thumb to press down on the bottom card.
- Bouncing the deck on the table so that the bottom card is exposed.
- Using a false shuffle to bring the bottom card to the top.
6. The Peek
This scam involves the dealer peeking at the cards before dealing them. This can be done by:
- Glimpsing the cards as they are being dealt.
- Using a camera to record the cards as they are being dealt.
- Having an accomplice stand behind the dealer and watch the cards.
7. The Tell
This scam involves the dealer giving away information about their hand through their actions or body language. Some common tells include:
- Fidgeting or squirming.
- Avoiding eye contact.
- Making nervous gestures.
- Breathing heavily.
8. The Shill
This scam involves having an accomplice in the game to help the dealer win. The shill will often act like a loose player, making big bets and bluffing frequently. This will encourage other players to play more carelessly and make mistakes.
9. The Collusion
This scam involves two or more players working together to cheat the dealer. Some common methods of collusion include:
- Signalling to each other about their hands.
- Sharing cards or information.
- Working together to win pots.
10. The Online Scams
Online poker is just as susceptible to scams as live poker. Some common online scams include:
- Phishing scams: These scams involve tricking players into giving out their personal information, such as their credit card number or password.
- Software scams: These scams involve installing malware on players' computers that allows the scammers to see their cards or control their accounts.
- Rigged games: These games are rigged so that the house always wins.
How to Avoid Poker Scams
There are a few things you can do to avoid being scammed when playing poker:
- Play at reputable poker rooms.
- Be aware of the common poker scams.
- Pay attention to the dealer and other players.
- Don't be afraid to speak up if you think something is wrong.
By following these tips, you can protect yourself from poker scams and enjoy the game safely and fairly.
