What does playing the shell game mean?
[mainly US] to deliberately deceive people, for example by changing things or pretending to change things, in order to gain an advantage.
What’s a shell game called?
The shell game (also known as thimblerig, three shells and a pea, the old army game) is portrayed as a gambling game, but in reality, when a wager for money is made, it is almost always a confidence trick used to perpetrate fraud.
Are shell games illegal?
The game is illegal almost everywhere, but it also is a simple enough game to pack up and disappear.
How is the shell game rigged?
In the shell game, the tosser lays three half shells or cups face down on the table and slips a ball or pea underneath one. In most cases, no — the games are rigged so you can’t win. In many shell games, the ball isn’t under any of the shells!
How do you win the shell game?
If no tourist wants to play, one of the helpers plays in order to animate the tourists. The helper will either lift a shell which is “obviously” wrong and will lose his money, or he lifts the “obvious” shell and wins. He wins because the actor touched all three shells again, moving the ball back to the “obvious” shell.
What is the definition of the shell game?
English Language Learners Definition of shell game US : a dishonest betting game in which someone hides a ball under one of three cups or shells, moves the cups or shells around quickly, and asks an observer to guess which one the ball is under See the full definition for shell game in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Why is the shell game called a short con?
The shell game is portrayed as a gambling game, but in reality, when a wager for money is made, it is a confidence trick used to perpetrate fraud. In confidence trick slang, this swindle is referred to as a short-con because it is quick and easy to pull off.
What kind of tricks are used in shell games?
Fraudulent shell games are also known for the use of psychological tricks to convince potential players of the legitimacy of the game – for example, by using shills or by allowing a player to win a few times before beginning the scam.
Where is the shell game in New York City?
An illegal shell game performed with bottle caps on Fulton Street in New York City. The shell game (also known as thimblerig, three shells and a pea, the old army game) is portrayed as a gambling game, but in reality, when a wager for money is made, it is almost always a confidence trick used to perpetrate fraud.