People who have never played poker seem to think it is either a game for unscrupulous people or a gentleman’s game.
The reality is always in between.
You won’t have to deal with cheating every day. In truth, most people won’t be conned at the tables. That doesn’t mean you should blindly trust everyone. People always want to get their hands on money. Learn about some of the most popular poker hacks to prevent getting scammed.
Live Poker Cheating
If you play live poker, you are less likely to be deceived in a casino or a licenced poker room than at home. Contrary to popular belief, some players will strive to outplay you within the rules.
Tournament Collusion
Live poker collusion is widespread. It involves two or more players defeating the opposite side. This is often employed at final tables where losing a player helps everyone.
Cooperating players will keep each other alive. But they won’t call a short stack even if they have the odds. They’ll fold for a small river bet, leaving a huge pot to a buddy. Obviously, colluders will do anything to protect each other, including injuring others. It’s against the rules and the spirit of the game. Since poker isn’t a team sport, you can’t do anything to save someone.
The issue with this form of dishonesty is that it is often difficult to prove. A person may have had clear odds before making a decision, but this is not required by law. They may then declare they hate Jacks because they never win. Especially in low-buy-in events, the tournament director rarely intervenes. Not that you shouldn’t complain, but be ready to change if it fails. A colluder can only squeeze you if you don’t let them play pots together. Caution is advised if one of the colluders is a huge stack. If you can’t do anything, relax and wait for amazing opportunities.
Card-Signaling
They may also signal their partner’s hand strength or even individual cards (s). You can get a big edge by knowing your opponents’ holdings. Only two hole cards at the table. In order to avoid being detected, cheaters use a variety of methods. They frequently use chipping.
If they have one red chip, they will protect an Ace. They’ll put two green chips on their pocket pair. It’s easy to conceal and won’t raise suspicion from other players. Inexperienced players who have practised their signals can get away with this form of cheating. The issue is that even if you call it, the floor is unlikely to respond immediately. They’ll probably cease once they realise the game is up.
Card Marking
Even though marking cards is an old ploy, some players still do it to get an advantage. When playing a home game with strangers, keep in mind that the host and certain regulars may have seen the deck.
Casino cheaters aren’t afraid either. Many ways exist to mark cards. Cheaters can now create invisible marks on cards with invisible ink and special eyewear. If something isn’t right, you can always ask for a new deck. Casinos frequently take such claims seriously. A marked deck is not only bad form, but it is also illegal in many countries and can lead to jail time.
It’s tougher at home. You should leave if you observe too many unusual hero calls or huge bluffs that don’t make sense. You can dispute with the host, but they’re probably on board. But don’t be too cautious. Tables, especially at home games, can be odd positions. Doubling up with the bottom pair isn’t necessarily cheating. It may be a massive calling station or a great athlete (the latter is rarely the case, though). In short, if you feel tricked, go. To avoid playing with a stacked deck is best.
Using the Bottom Deck
In private games, “bottom deck” dealing is also common. The dealer and a player are involved. The dealer shuffles the deck to deal certain cards from the bottom. On the flip, you have a top set and a flush draw Your opponent takes your big bet. On a blank turn, you need another big bet to defend your hand and give them no chance.
In a regular setup, players won’t call you with one card. Your dealer partner will pull the enchantment on the river. Only a pro can identify bottom deck dealing. It’s done so rapidly that the untrained eye misses it. Instead, look for oddities. If the same player keeps calling against the odds and hits the river, you should proceed with extreme care. Casinos rarely allow this kind of cheating. It usually occurs in a private game, and my recommendation is to leave immediately.
Unknown private games are always risky and should be avoided. To avoid getting conned, only play at licenced casinos and with friends at home.