5 Tips for Cheating at Cards

After every magic trick or gambling expose I do, the most common response is “I’m never playing cards with you… EVER!” Usually it is said in the form of a joke, but in reality, cheating at cards to “always win” is a task that is not easy to accomplish. To successfully cheat at cards is one thing, to get away with cheating is another. Here are 5 tips for cheating and getting away with it. 

 

1) NEVER give yourself ALL FOUR ACES. 

Any person who has ever thought about cheating at card has come to the simple solution: “let me put the cards in the order to guarantee a win!” However, even though you want the best hand in order to win, don't be ridiculous. Card stacking is a great means of cheating, but getting a royal flush, then quad aces, then a straight flush is like asking people to woop you for cheating. 

           

2) Look natural

Nothing smells cheat then that one person sweating profusely, acting like they just saw death’s scythe, and stuttering like Billy Madison. For the love of God, if your poker face looks anything like this ...

then DON'T CHEAT AT CARDS. Nothing is worse then drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. Cheating is all about blending in with everyone at the table. If they shuffle a certain way, you shuffle just like them. If people are constantly talking, you talk right along with them. But don't make it obvious that you are nervous or are holding good cards.

3) Be aware of your surroundings

Using a holdout (keeping cards in your possession when the cards are being reshuffled and dealt) can be a massive advantage. However, it is always better accomplished when sitting at a table. The card can be kept in the lap of the cheat and both of his hands can be shown empty until the switch takes place. A cheat should also take advantage of distractions. Use these opportunities to your advantage. 

4) Get marked cards

With the release of the Madison dealers, Bicycle vintage 1800, Kings deck, and Ellusionist Republics, there are plenty of options for finding a deck that fits your needs. If you are looking for a low budget fix, there are plenty of ways to mark your own bicycle deck. It takes practice and good eye sight to read the markings, but eventually, all you need is a good glimpse and you can know exactly what your opponent is holding. 

5) Don’t get caught!

Usually the one thing that all amateur cheats do… get caught. Not only will getting caught ruin all the fun of cheating it may come with a butt kicking. In addition, no one will ever play with you, and all your past pseudo-honest play gets called into question

6) Always have a backup plan
            There are multiple ways to immediately take the suspicion off your devious ways. The most effective means is framing someone else. Ricky Jay shows a great means of throwing a card on an opponents seat, and when foul play is called, be cool and watch the honest player take the fall. Sure this is a very evil thing to do, but so is swindling and cheating at cards. So in this case, two wrongs makes sure you don't get caught. 

As a disclaimer, don't cheat at cards. If you do, do not hold me accountable. I'm saying this as a hypothetical instance where you would want to "inform" yourself or your friends on what card cheats will do. But. if you learned something, the best thing to do is practice.