As we all know, poker is a game. Then again, it is not a game in the sense that Candyland or Chutes and Ladders are games. A lot of people you will deal with both online and in the casinos are deadly serious about their poker. In the past, folks have been serious enough about poker to shoot those they assumed were cheating. In the dark, BC, days of law (B.C. means Before Cochran. You gotta love a guy who can get a man off of a double murder charge because of ill fitting gloves and a clever rhyme), those charged with enforcing the law assumed homicide was an acceptable punishment for a poker cheat. This means that keeping peace at any poker table means that a player needs to avoid even the appearance of evil.
While you shouldn’t allow somebody else’s occasionally irrational perception, especially if they are losing, influence how you play, it is important to be aware of some triggers that could make people suspicious of you. First of all, during home games, when a dealer is not provided, make sure your hands are visible at all times when you are working with the deck.
While playing with a cell phone or texting may also give the impression that something doesn’t smell quite right in Denmark, the most feared form of cheating is the act of collusion. This is because it is so easy to pull off. It simply involves two players working the rest of the table and working secretly as a team. While camaraderie is a good thing, being a bit to chummy with someone you happen to always wind up in vying for the same pot with will look fishy to some people. So be aware of what the triggers are and try to avoid the appearance of evil.
