What Does Seconds Mean in Poker?
In poker, “seconds” refers to a cheating technique where a dealer deals the second card from the top of the deck instead of the top card. This is typically done to manipulate the outcome of the game in favor of a particular player.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Seconds
You might hear this term in conversations about poker cheating methods or during discussions of historical instances where a dealer was caught manipulating the deck.
In-Game Example
A dealer is in on a scam and gives a player a stronger hand by dealing them a second card from the top, ensuring they have a better chance of winning the pot.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Always play in reputable games with trusted dealers to avoid being a victim of cheating.
- Common Mistake: Ignoring signs of unusual dealing patterns which could indicate cheating.
- Pro Tips: Pay attention to the dealer’s hands and the flow of the game to spot inconsistencies.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: This form of cheating is not applicable in online poker due to automated dealing systems.
Alternative Names
There are no widely recognized alternative names for this specific cheating technique.
FAQs
Q: How can I spot if a dealer is dealing seconds?
A: Watch for unusual hand movements or if the dealer seems to be focusing on a particular player.
Q: Is dealing seconds a common practice in poker?
A: It’s not common in reputable games, but historically, it has been used in scams.
Related Terms
- Collusion
- Marked Cards
- Shuffling Techniques
