Poker is either seen as a magnet for shady characters and gamblers or a gentleman’s game where one’s word is their bond. Most players, though, fall somewhere in between. It doesn’t mean cheating isn’t an issue, but that most players never find themselves in situations where they’re being cheated of their money.
Collusion between two poker players is one of the most common forms of cheating. This is especially common in tournaments, where players can profit by eliminating other players. This type can be difficult to spot immediately, especially when done well. Players can communicate via instant messaging or phone calls, and even use multiple computer at the same time to avoid detection.
More sophisticated players may even resort to a signaling system where they will exchange information on their opponents’ hole cards using some sort of sign language, for example arranging their chips in a specific way. This is more likely to happen when playing live, but can also be done online.
Many poker players use AI tools like chatbots such as ChatGPT to analyze their games. These programs are designed to help players improve their poker skills and increase their profits, and while they can’t replace the human element of the game, they certainly provide a significant advantage.