Angle shooting
Also: angle, angling, angle shooter
Using technically legal but unethical tricks to gain an edge — pretending to fold, hiding big chips, ambiguous verbal declarations, or acting out of turn on purpose. Angle shooters are despised, and floor staff can penalise them.
Classic angles include the 'fake fold' (moving cards forward without releasing them), the 'chip trick' (announcing 'raise' while only putting out a call to see the reaction), and the 'oops, I thought you folded' when acting out of turn. Most cardrooms have rules that protect against the common ones — verbal declarations are binding, big chips must be visible — and repeat offenders get warnings, penalties or bans.
Related terms
Full glossaryFrequently asked questions
What is angle shooting in poker?
Exploiting the rules, or an opponent's inexperience, in a way that is technically permitted but contrary to the spirit of the game. It falls between fair play and cheating.
Is angle shooting against the rules?
Usually not in a way that can be formally penalised, which is the problem. Because no rule is actually broken, rooms generally respond with a warning and, for repeat offenders, exclusion rather than a sanction on the hand.
What should I do if someone angles me?
Call the floor immediately and let the supervisor rule. That is what they are there for, and it costs nothing. Arguing with the player instead tends to produce a worse outcome, because the facts of what happened become disputed.
Is bluffing a form of angle shooting?
No. Bluffing is deception about the strength of a hand and is a core part of poker. Angle shooting manipulates the procedures of the game — betting mechanics, acting order, chip visibility — rather than the information within the hand.