Local card sharp

[oldmanriver]

A couple of new acquaintances asked me to play poker with them on a monthly basis. I'm an average player and typically am a small winner. At a social get together, these two gentlemen strike up an impromptu game. They call a couple of people and whisk me off to another associate's house for a night of cards. At first I didn't feel like going because I worked all day (up at 5:00 am) and was feeling tired. To be social, I agreed. I went home, got my clay chips and a new pack of cards and off we went. I played for 4 hours, didn't win a hand and ended up being the big loser. Later the next day, I noticed that the J [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] had a definite crease (brand new deck). Last month I couldn't make it but another friend of mine did. He was the big loser. I should also mention that these two guys haven't played alone yet and frequently take junkets to casinos. Any advise? What should I watch for?

[Mike Gallo]

Did it occur to you that perhaps you dont play well?

If you feel cheated, dont play with them again.

If you don't play well, learn how to play.

Please give some examples of hands you lost.

Michael

[MaxPower]

There is an excellent book by Darwin Ortiz called "Gambling Scams" He explains what to watch for in poker games. They are too numerous to mention here. If you are playing for signficant money, I would be carefull.

If these guys are cheating, they are not very smart cheats. Why would they allow you to take the cards home with you if they were tampered with? Also, if they were cheating, they would probably let you win some hands so you won't get suspicious.

It is very likely that they are just very good players and you had a bad run. It is not that unusual to go 4 hours without winning a hand.

Just some suggestions: Don't let anyone handle or look at the discarded cards. Make sure someone other than the dealer cuts the cards and that they only cut it once.

[oldmanriver]

Thanks. I'll get the book.

[oldmanriver]

I'll consider my play and work to improve. Thanks.