Question for The Tracker and others

[KungFuSandwich]

Reading your post about card manipulation was interesting. I was wondering if you would answer some questions for me. I was wondering what the most likely form of manipulation for us to encounter, and the best way to stop it. Also from what I understand, it seems that the most common form is giving yourself good hole cards (i.e. high pocket pairs in holdem) Is this correct? Is it common for a sharp to set up the flop and other hands.

I was wondering what the best strategy would be against someone who you thought was cheating. Would it be a good idea to play suited connectors since they would most likely be playing AA or KK. What do you guys think. Obviously it depends on the mechanics skill at both cheating and at poker, but a guide on when it is profitable to keep playing and when you need to leave would be nice.

Im especially interested in bad players who are poor cheats. This seems like a situation where it would be in your best interest to stay if you had the right strategy.

Flame Away!

[CaptLego]

I've been wondering this as well. So after following the Tracker thread.. I checked that cardsharp guy's website, went out and bought the Shade DVD (and just finished watching it). I'd suggest the following:

Rule #1: You do not, repeat DO NOT want to play any cards when a mechanic is loose at the table.

So I'd suggest some options:
a) only play with good friends whom you know are not capable of being mechanics
b) play for stakes so low as to be a waste of a mechanic's talent
c) play in a casino

Otherwise, at least insist on the procedures for shuffling, cutting, and dealing that are specified on that cardsharp's website. Those would at least limit a mechanic's repertoire.

[hoterdoc]

how was the dvd, do you feel better able to detect if something is up, from having seen this?
doc

[CaptLego]

[ QUOTE ]
how was the dvd, do you feel better able to detect if something is up, from having seen this?
doc

[/ QUOTE ]
Nope. Quite the opposite --- after seeing the DVD I'm absolutely convinced that a good mechanic can deal precisely whatever cards they want to every person at the table, and NOBODY will have a clue that it is happening.

Those guys are really impressive.

[smoore]

heh, "Shade" is inaccurate. VERY inaccurate.

A good card mechanic will probably steer a monster pot his way two or three times a night. As most poker players know, all you really need to do is take two or three pots a night in a really loose game. You can play on skill and cards after that. You'll never see them do it because anyone who is decent will wait until there's a big joke told, a big score in the game on TV or whatever... He'll be preparing every time he can but won't actually pull the cheat every time he could. He will wait until everyone is distracted (cop scene in Rounders notwithstanding)

[KungFuSandwich]

I understand that I wouldnt want to play against a good mechanic, but I know some people that awful at cards that would try to cheat. They wouldnt practice or read anything, so how could a spot and beat them.