Cheat at Blackjack?
Every game that is played for money draws cheaters and dishonest people into its midst. This is why casinos around the world spend obscene amounts of money on sophisticated security systems. Most cheaters do get caught and when they do, the consequences are severe. But if you want to know more about the ways players cheat, for curiosity’s sake, read on.
Marking the Cards
A simple cheating option is to mark the cards. Some people do this by bending it or scratching it with their fingernail but since blackjack rules state a player can only touch the cards one time, it is all too easy for dealers and other players to spot someone engaging in card marking.
Switching the Cards
People with slightly more advanced cheating skills may chose to employ the card switching method. But because card switching requires lightning-quick hand speed, not many players can successfully pull this off. And of course, there is also the matter of creating realistic looking counterfeits that match the casino’s decks.
Two-Person Operations
There are instances when two people decide to work together to beat the system; many times a player will work in conjunction with a dealer to cheat the casino. However, casinos not only watch their players like a hawk, but also their dealers, making this cheating method difficult to pull off. In these cases, the dealer will usually take a quick peak at the two cards on the top of the deck when they believe the coast is clear and signal predetermined motions to the player.
Counting the Cards
Card counting is controversial in terms of being considered a method of cheating at blackjack. Although you will not get in legal trouble for card counting, the casino may throw you out if they catch you. In general, card counting is thought to be yet another blackjack playing strategy as opposed to a cheating method.