
audiobook
THE SECRETS OF CHEATING
SHARPS AND FLATS
PREFACE
LIST OF PLATES
SHARPS AND FLATS
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTORY
CHAPTER II COMMON SHARPERS AND THEIR TRICKS
CHAPTER III MARKED CARDS AND THE MANNER OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT
CHAPTER IV REFLECTORS
CHAPTER V HOLDOUTS
The book opens with a vivid account of the notorious cheat Kepplinger, whose daring capture sets the tone for a lively exploration of deception in games of chance and skill. Its author treats cheating not merely as a scandalous pastime but as a social phenomenon, weaving together anecdotes, practical demonstrations of tricks, and a thoughtful discussion of why some people are drawn to fraud. Readers are guided through the mechanics of common scams, learning how seemingly innocent wagers can conceal elaborate schemes.
Beyond the mechanics, the work delves into the ethical dimensions of dishonesty, questioning whether crime is a matter of choice or destiny. By juxtaposing the perspectives of politicians, philosophers, and everyday gamblers, the author highlights the gap between public ignorance and the reality of clever manipulations. The narrative invites listeners to sharpen their own awareness, offering a blend of historical insight and practical advice that makes the hidden world of cheating both accessible and fascinating.
Full title
Sharps and Flats A Complete Revelation of the Secrets of Cheating at Games of Chance and Skill A Complete Revelation of the Secrets of Cheating at Games of Chance and Skill
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (435K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chris Curnow, Charlie Howard and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2012-10-24
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1839–1917
A pioneering Victorian magician and inventor, he helped turn stage illusion into a polished theatrical art. His clever mechanical effects, anti-spiritualist investigations, and long run at London’s Egyptian Hall made him one of the defining showmen of his era.
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