In a previous article,  we talked about  'How to Spot a Cheater at the Poker table'.  Let's face it;  there are a million ways to cheat in a game of Poker,  and you can not possibly be on the lookout for all of them while playing in the game.  Let's take a look at  'How to Prevent Cheating in Poker'.  The following tips may mean the difference between winning or losing money in a friendly game of Poker,  or being ripped off by a cheater at the table.

KNOWING THE SIGNS

Although being aware of Poker cheating techniques is helpful,  it does not ensure that you will not be cheated at some point during a Poker game.  Just because you do not catch someone in the act of cheating at Poker,  this could simply mean that the person was a sleight of hand expert or used a maneuver that you were not familiar with.  To reduce the chances of this happening to you,  beware of the following signs that may suggest suspicious behavior:

1.  Repeatedly losing with very strong Poker hands.

2.  An exchange of signals between two or more players that suggests collusion.

3.  Clumsy dealing usually means inexperience with sleight of hand.  Pay close attention to hand gestures and how the dealer handles the deck of cards.

4.  Cards found underneath the Poker table.

5.  Pay attention to the number of cards left in the deck towards the end of the game.  Depending on the game and number of people playing,  you can tell whether or not a full deck of cards is being used.  As an example,  if you are playing seven card stud with seven players there should only be three cards left in the deck.

KEEPING EACH OTHER HONEST

Keeping each other honest by verifying each player’s Poker hand at showdown is an easy way to prevent cheating.  This process simply mandates that each player has in his hand what they say they have at showdown,  that each player’s dealing be normal,  and that each player’s interaction with the pot be accurate.

NOT HOLDING THE DECK

The dealer should only be holding the deck of cards if you are playing a Poker variation that requires that the cards be dealt face down.  It is unnecessary for the deck to be held in any game where the cards are being dealt face up.

DEALING FROM A SHOE

A shoe is a plastic container that holds one or more decks of cards so that they may be dealt without the deck being held in someone’s hands.  Since the cards do not come in contact with the dealer’s hands this puts a hinder on sleight of hand techniques.  Most often used in casino card games,  a shoe is not usually present at home Poker games.

CUTTING THE DECK

A simple house rule that mandates the cutting of the deck can help curtail a number of methods used to cheat in Poker.  Had the dealer stacked the deck,  intended to bottom deal or second deal,  or peeked at the top card his plans would be ruined by cutting the deck.

SPLITTING UP ANGLERS

More often than not,  anglers only work together at the same table.  In order to deal with suspected anglers,  the House may suggest a mix up of players at different tables.  It is probably best to do this in a tactful manner instead of an accusatory style.  More often than not the cheaters will split up rather than risk being caught.

SWAPPING DECKS

The best protection against a marked deck of cards is to suggest changing decks every couple of hours.  This will not only protect you against someone marking the deck ahead of time,  it also limits the ability of those cheaters who mark the cards in the deck throughout the course of play.

MARKED CARDS

In addition to periodically changing the deck of cards it is a good idea to regularly check the deck that is being used to ensure that there are no marked cards.  When it becomes your turn to deal check the entire deck of cards by picking them up and flipping through the corners like an old picture book.  This simple procedure should be enough to spot markings and crimps on the cards.  It is also a good idea to keep an eye on players that seem preoccupied with looking at the backs of other players’  cards.  This is usually a good sign that the person who fixes his gaze on the back of everybody else’s cards has marked the deck at some juncture of the Poker game.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol can both help and hinder when it comes to Poker and cheating.  On one hand,  drinking alcohol can encourage certain persons to cheat via a temporary lapse in judgement.  It can also impair the perception of the honest Poker player,  which will make them more susceptible to being cheated.  On the other hand,  alcohol can make cheating more apparent by making cheating techniques and maneuvers sloppy.  Whatever your opinion on the effects that alcohol may have on cheating and Poker,  it is always best to drink responsibly.  No one wants to play Poker with a drunk.

ENDING OR LEAVING THE GAME