Collusion
Collusion is when two or more players work together to cheat the other players at the table. It’s like a secret alliance where they share information or coordinate their actions to gain an unfair advantage. This is a big no-no in poker and can get you banned from games or even entire casinos.
The origin of Collusion in Poker
The term “collusion” in poker has been around since organized poker games began. It likely started in the early days of the game, in the saloons and riverboats of the 19th century, where players would team up to fleece unsuspecting gamblers. The word itself comes from the Latin “colludere,” which means “to play together,” but in poker, it’s definitely not playing fair.
Examples of use:
“They were caught colluding and got banned for life.”
Person A: “Did you notice those two always folding to each other?”
Person B: “Yeah, that’s clear collusion. We should report them.”
You can use it in real life too…
- “If you two keep colluding on this group project, the rest of us won’t stand a chance.”
- “I swear, those siblings are colluding to get the last piece of cake.”
- “Stop colluding with the boss; it’s obvious you’re getting all the easy tasks.”
When playing, be aware:
What to do: Report suspicious activity
If you suspect collusion, report it to the game organizers or casino staff. This protects the integrity of the game and ensures a fair playing environment for everyone. Keep an eye out for players who always fold to each other or seem to be sharing information.
What not to do: Accuse without evidence
Accusing someone of collusion without solid proof can create unnecessary tension and even get you in trouble. Make sure you have observed consistent suspicious behavior before making any accusations.
Collusion means the same in other sports?
In sports like football and basketball, collusion refers to teams working together to manipulate the outcome, like fixing matches. Similarly, in chess, it can mean players agreeing to a draw to boost their rankings.
In business, collusion can mean companies conspiring to set prices or control markets, which is illegal and heavily penalized.
Trivia
Did you know that collusion is so serious in professional poker that the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has a dedicated team to investigate such claims? If caught, players can face lifetime bans from all WSOP events.
