Cheating poker is common, especially in higher stakes games and casinos. Cheats use many different methods and you should be aware of them whenever you play at a casino or private game.
To make it appear that they have made marks on the back of a credit card, they will first make small, barely visible cuts or bend edges. This is a simple and old trick that cheaters have used for decades. However, it’s a great way of getting around some of the modern security measures used in casinos.
Cheats can also mark cards in other ways, such as subtle markings or smudges. They will also try to make the most important cards stand out so they can win more easily.
Typically, these marks are easy to detect by experienced poker players, and they can be seen even at close range. These marks can be difficult if a player does not have special glasses, or if the lighting isn’t clear enough.
Cheats will use marked cards that have been prepared in advance but aren’t available at the time of play. They may also make small changes to the back design so the marks are only visible when you look closely. These decks are known as “juice” decks because the ink used to print them is lighter or darker than normal.
Then there are the more sophisticated types of decks that are made to be hard to read, such as video-luminous marked cards. These can be viewed with the naked eye but are more effective if you use a black light or other filters.
If you’re suspicious that a player is marking their deck of cards, don’t be afraid to ask them for a show. This will give you a better chance of spotting a cheater before they make any moves that might indicate they’re up to no good.
It is also a good idea not to ignore markings that aren’t obvious like tiny, barely visible cuts and bent edges. It is possible to see the markings while performing a natural move such as giving a card to a spectator or pointing at the top of a deck to make a point.
These are all signs that you can tell if someone is cheating before they take over the game. You should immediately leave the table if you see any of these signs and cash your chips.
You should also never accuse anyone of cheating, because it’s not the best thing to do. It is not only an insult but can also be dangerous.
In addition to the classic ways of marking a deck, there are many new and more imaginative methods that cheaters are coming up with these days. There’s no way to know what they’re up to, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for these tricks and learn how to spot them when you see them in action.