Tichu players who cheat by privately communicating during play

[Yasten]

When I see "same IP", I rarely play them XD

[NeanderthalMan]

When I see "same IP", I rarely play them XD

Probably good idea. Yet, none of these known cheaters had same IP warning. They either use devices with separate Internet connections, VPNs, or some other method. Alternatively, they may not be in the same location and are simply on a mobile call or even something web based like Zoom and both screen sharing.

[Yasten]

Even worse that they play Arena. Arena can't show you warning.

[NeanderthalMan]

Even worse that they play Arena. Arena can't show you warning.

Yeah. In my experience playing tichu against ppl on same IP, they're often housemates or spouses that want to play and maybe partner and disclose the situation, claim they're in separate rooms or something, and offer to play random or mutually abandon if opponents are uncomfortable. Reviewing those games after the fact, the passing has been typical of partners who don't know what the other has, e.g., swapping Aces or passing unhelpful King when Queen would have made quads. There's always a chance they're talking during play which would be undetectable/unprovable. There may be others who have cheated while on same IP but don't think I've encountered any so far. Established cheaters tend to conceal they're cheating, likely assuming same IP would make opponents suspicious at the outset.

[Stealthpup]

I'm convinced, NeanderthalMan. That last-round pass completing a 10-bomb on one side and an 8-bomb on the other definitely looked like an unusual, non-conventional mutual pass to me.

[NeanderthalMan]

I'm convinced, NeanderthalMan. That last-round pass completing a 10-bomb on one side and an 8-bomb on the other definitely looked like an unusual, non-conventional mutual pass to me.

Yes, your play against * and * was only three rounds and the first two passes—since they had no cards to improve the other's hand—could look conventional. However, their passing patterns over numerous games now betrays the fact that they are consistently talking in secret (cheating) during games, if not sitting next to each other. There's an entire list of games played by them with analyses on the first post of this thread.

Fortunately, you played them recently and can give a public red thumb (clicking, Yes, everyone should avoid this player). You should do this if you haven't already. Others who haven't can only give private red thumbs and click just personal opinion.

*Moderation Edit: please do not use the Forums to call players out by name, this is what the Moderation Reports are for. The Forums should remain a general discussion.

[Yasten]

When I see "same IP", I rarely play them XD

Probably good idea. Yet, none of these known cheaters had same IP warning. They either use devices with separate Internet connections, VPNs, or some other method. Alternatively, they may not be in the same location and are simply on a mobile call or even something web based like Zoom and both screen sharing.

That's why I open tables before joining bc overview doesn't show warnings.

[Shazzypaz]

Neanderthalman - glad to see your positive summary of spouses and housemates playing on the same IP but honestly doing so. My husband and I like to play together as partners. We prefer to be up front about it and state that we don't talk, etc - which is true and accurate. Some players understandably don't want to play in that situation. It has unfortunately soured us on trying to play together.

[NeanderthalMan]

UPDATE 4: * and */*[/b]

UPDATE 1: * changed user name to *
UPDATE 2: * account deleted
UPDATE 3: */* now likely playing as *

* and * are still colluding to win games. Earlier today, saw a friend waiting for a fourth to join against them. I wasn't fast enough to warn before they started so jumped in and joined the chat *

*

Fortunately, you don't have to take the accusation or denial unquestioningly. You can review the cards passed between them in the four games already examined and draw your own conclusion. For my part, I looked back at those * and remain convinced.

To take it further, I reviewed more plays by * and * but this time selected three games over two day period where luck, skill, and high risk tolerance allowed their opponents to win despite the significant advantage the cheaters had by talking secretly during pass and play. The collusion resulted in a 10:3 bomb ratio over these three games, and they still lost each one. Click the analysis link below to see for yourself.

*

In related news, * has relocated to the Bahamas sometime since I last reviewed their plays, global pandemic notwithstanding.

*

*Moderation Edit: please do not use the Forums to call players out by name, this is what the Moderation Reports are for. The Forums should remain a general discussion.

[egeltje85]

Such an interesting read! I've played a lot of tichu, also offline. A lot of strange things can happen. Normally when one player has a long straight, others have as well. And when there is a bomb in the game, it's not unusual that others have a bomb as well.

But structurally weakening your own hand to miraculously complete a bomb of your partner is suspicious...