In poker, "collusion" refers to a form of cheating where two or more players conspire to cheat the others at the table. This unethical practice can occur in both live and online games, and is strictly against the rules.

What is Collusion in Poker?

Collusion in poker is a form of cheating where two or more players work together to gain an unfair advantage over the others at the table. This could involve sharing information about their hands, coordinating their betting to manipulate the pot size, or any other actions that break the rules of fair play.

Collusion is considered a serious violation of the poker code of conduct and is strictly prohibited in all forms of the game, whether online or live, in both cash games and tournaments. Being caught colluding can result in severe penalties, including being banned from a poker platform or casino.

How is Collusion Detected and Prevented in Poker?

Detecting collusion in poker can be challenging, especially in online games. However, there are several signs that might indicate collusion, such as players consistently betting and folding in ways that benefit each other, or a player consistently winning against a specific opponent.

Most online poker sites use sophisticated anti-collusion software to detect unusual patterns of play and investigate suspicious activity. Players can also report suspected collusion to the game operator.

Preventing collusion involves maintaining a high level of integrity and fair play in the game. Players should always play honestly, respect the rules, and report any suspected cheating.

Example of "Collusion"

An example of collusion could be two players who are secretly working together in a game of Texas Hold'em. They might share information about their hands through a separate communication channel, and coordinate their betting to manipulate the pot size and deceive the other players. Remember, this type of behavior is against the rules and can result in severe penalties.

• "I suspect those two players might be colluding, their betting patterns are too synchronized."
• "Collusion is against the rules and goes against the spirit of fair play in poker."
• "If you suspect collusion, report it to the game operator immediately."

Is collusion always obvious in poker?

No, collusion is not always obvious, especially in online games. It often requires careful observation or anti-collusion software to detect.

What can I do if I suspect collusion in a poker game?

If you suspect collusion, you should report it to the game operator immediately. Provide as much detail as possible to help them investigate.

Can I be banned from a poker platform for collusion?

Yes, being caught colluding in poker can result in severe penalties, including being banned from the poker platform or casino.

Is collusion common in online poker?

While collusion can occur in online poker, most online poker sites have robust anti-collusion measures in place to detect and prevent it.

What's the difference between collusion and a poker alliance?

A poker alliance is a temporary, unspoken agreement between players to achieve a common goal, usually to eliminate a strong player. Collusion, on the other hand, is a premeditated cheating strategy that involves breaking the rules of the game.