Manipulating a Pre-arranged Poker Deck, as Discussed by R. Paul Wilson
In the world of poker, a cold deck is a manipulated deck that has been pre-arranged to produce a specific outcome, often giving one player a significant advantage while ensuring others lose. This form of cheating or manipulation is used to control the game outcome and is known to have a history in the bad old days of Las Vegas, where cheaters were employed to deal games and rip off tourists with a simple deck switch.
To execute a deck switch, also known as a "cold deck switch," in a poker setting, some practical methods include:
- Misdirection and Distraction: While the dealer or players are focused on another action, such as betting or a heated discussion, the cheater swaps the current deck with the prearranged deck. This requires excellent sleight of hand and timing to avoid detection.
- False Shuffles and Cuts: The so-called cold deck may be introduced after fake shuffling or cutting. Cheaters use false shuffles to maintain the order of the stacked deck, making the switch less obvious.
- Collusion with Dealer: In some cases, the dealer is involved and may bring in the cold deck during the shuffle, cut, or dealing process, perhaps under the table or via a hidden mechanism.
- Using Card Protectors or Deck Cases: Some may employ subtle use of card protectors or cases to swap decks under the table unnoticed.
These moves require skillful sleight of hand and familiarity with poker mechanics to avoid raising suspicion. Professional dealers or attentive players can spot irregularities like unusual shuffling patterns or inconsistent dealing.
In the movie "The Sting," Doyle Lonnegan performs an excellent example of a player switch. Although the cheater is only exposed for a split second, this demonstrates the intricate nature of such moves. Barney Boatman, a member of the Hendon Mob, commented "that was a cold deck" after being knocked out by a cooler.
It is important to note that such actions are illegal and unethical in real gambling environments. Casinos maintain strict surveillance and procedures, including mandatory shuffle and cut after every hand, to prevent these practices. Using a cold deck can result in grand larceny at the card table.
In summary:
- A cold deck is a pre-stacked, manipulated deck designed to produce a specific outcome.
- Practical deck switch methods include misdirection and distraction, false shuffles, collusion with dealer, and use of props for covert switch.
These techniques enable cheating by replacing a fair deck with a stacked one, but they require advanced sleight of hand and risk heavy penalties if caught.
In the realm of online discussions, a blog post might delve into the history of cold decks in casino-and-gambling, detailing how these manipulated decks have been used to gain an unfair advantage in poker games. Social-media platforms could also be flooded with debates on the use of these decks and their impact on entertainment value in casino-games. Such discussions would highlight the unethical nature of cold decks and emphasize the importance of fair play, much like how the movie "The Sting" showcases an instance of a player switch, serving as a cautionary tale against such unscrupulous practices.
