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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, discover the sneaky cheating tactics some players use in card and dice games—and learn how to spot them for a fairer, more fun game night!
Card and dice games continue to captivate players worldwide, with their popularity surging thanks to both in-person gatherings and online platforms. As more people join in the fun, keeping an eye out for sneaky tactics that undermine fair play becomes key to ensuring everyone enjoys the experience.
Joruun Langli, an expert in interactive gaming from the online gaming platform Kongebonus, has shared insights into some common tricks players might encounter—and tips for spotting them during a game night.
Cheating in casino games involves various deceptive tactics, such as card marking, false shuffling, and dice manipulation, all aimed at gaining an unfair advantage. While cheaters use subtle and often sophisticated methods to avoid detection, casinos are equipped with advanced surveillance and trained staff to counteract these practices.
The consequences for cheating are severe, including legal repercussions and lifetime bans from gaming establishments. Ultimately, maintaining fairness in casino games is essential to protecting the integrity of the industry.
–Joruun Langli
5 Common Cheating Tactics To Watch Out For In Card Games
False Shuffles
In games where shuffling cards is part of the action, some players might try a false shuffle. This sneaky move looks like a proper mix-up but keeps certain cards in place, letting sharp-eyed players track them and predict what’s coming next.
Spotting a false shuffle takes a bit of observation. Watch the shuffler’s hands—genuine shuffles have smooth, consistent motions. Jerky, awkward, or overly fast movements might signal something’s off. In an overhand shuffle, look for rushed, repetitive actions that don’t really mix the deck. For a riffle shuffle, check if the cards in the middle are actually interlacing or just sliding past each other. If someone’s winning a little too often with no explanation, it might hint at a setup.
Card Switching
Known as “hand mucking” in some circles, this trick involves a player secretly hiding a card to swap in later for an advantage. Imagine stashing an ace in a card game to pull out at just the right moment—sneaky, right?
Keep an eye out for extra hand movements near the deck or table. Flashy, distracting gestures can be a cover for a switch. Hesitation before showing a card, or holding cards out of sight—like below the table—raises red flags. Players who fidget with their cards too much or show odd patterns in how they play might be up to something.
Dice Sliding
In dice-based games, a clever player might slide the dice instead of rolling them properly. This reduces the randomness and tilts the odds in their favor by controlling the outcome. Often, they’ll slide just one die while letting the other tumble, creating the illusion of a fair throw.
Watch for dice that glide smoothly across the table without much tumbling—a dead giveaway. Check how players handle the dice beforehand, too. If they’re aligning them carefully or gripping them strangely, they might be prepping for a slide. Consistent wins on specific rolls could also tip you off.
Card Marking
Some players get crafty by subtly altering cards to recognize them later. Whether it’s a tiny scratch, a bent corner, or a faint mark, these tweaks help them spot key cards during play, giving them an edge.
Look at the cards themselves—any scratches, dents, or discoloration could mean tampering. Watch for players who handle cards roughly, rubbing or bending them in odd ways. Long nails, rings, or even tinted glasses (for spotting special ink) might be clues. If someone’s too focused on the cards’ backs, they could be in on the trick.
Card Counting
Less of a “cheat” and more of a clever strategy, card counting involves tracking which cards have been played to guess what’s left. It’s a mental game that can shift decisions in a player’s favor, especially in games where knowing the deck matters.
This one’s tough to catch, but behavior can give it away. Look for players who suddenly change their approach—like making bold moves out of nowhere—or seem unusually focused on every card played. If they’re quiet, calculating, or glued to the action without chatting, they might be counting. It’s not unfair, just smart—but it can still surprise you!
By keeping these tips in mind, you can level the playing field and keep the focus on fun. Whether it’s a casual game with friends or a lively online match, spotting these tricks ensures everyone gets a fair shot at the excitement.
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