Blackjack is a game of chance and skill, but some people have more than just luck on their side. These gamblers have a taste for cheating. While the tactics these cheaters use are not always successful, they can still be a major nuisance to the dealer and the rest of the table. Cheating at blackjack can also get you into a world of trouble with the law and casino security. It is definitely not worth the risk.
The first type of blackjack cheating involves marking the cards. This requires a great deal of knowledge and skill, and the methods used are usually not legal in casinos. Marking is difficult to do without the dealer noticing, and many dealers are highly trained to prevent this type of behavior.
One way to mark the cards is to use a special tool that allows you to see invisible ink on the back of the card. Another method is to simply scratch a small area of the card with your fingernail. A scratch is less obvious than ink, but it is not foolproof. It is also important to know that a scratch will not work in live casinos, where you are likely to be spotted by the camera.
Other ways to cheat in blackjack include sleight of hand tricks. For example, a player might ask for a particular card and then switch it with another in their hand after they see the outcome of the card. This is often called past posting, and it is one of the most common forms of blackjack cheating.
Some players will even try to bribe the dealer in order to cheat at blackjack. However, this is not a very effective strategy, and most reputable dealers will not accept a bribe to help someone cheat.
It is also possible to trick the dealer by pretending that you have lost your hand. Some players may even bet more money to cover the fake losses. This is not a good strategy and can easily be spotted by veteran dealers.
One final way to cheat in blackjack is by using a team to distract the dealer while you add or remove chips from the table. This is often done when the dealer is counting chips, and it can be quite successful if the team is well organized. This method of blackjack cheating is not legal, but some players have been known to try it.
While cheating in blackjack is not illegal, it should be avoided at all costs. It is not worth the risk of getting caught and thrown out of the casino. If you do decide to cheat, I recommend having plenty of cash on hand for bail bondsmen and attorney fees in case you are caught. In addition, most cheaters do not make enough money to make the effort worthwhile.