Cup game

The cup game, also known as the shell game or thimblerig, is a confidence trick often presented as a game of skill. Typically, it involves a dealer and one or more players. The dealer manipulates a number of identical cups (often three) or shells, concealing a small object (such as a ball or pea) under one of them. The dealer shuffles the cups rapidly, and the player is then invited to guess which cup conceals the object.

Despite appearing to be a game of chance or skill, the cup game is almost always a scam. The dealer uses sleight of hand and misdirection to control the object's location, making it virtually impossible for the player to win consistently. Collusion between the dealer and other individuals (shills) may also be involved, further increasing the player's chances of losing. The shills may act as other players, winning seemingly easy bets to entice the mark (the target of the scam) to participate.

The cup game relies heavily on psychological manipulation and the creation of a false sense of security. The dealer may allow the mark to win a few small bets initially, reinforcing the illusion that the game is winnable. As the stakes increase, however, the dealer's skill and the involvement of shills ensure that the mark ultimately loses.

Due to its deceptive nature, the cup game is often illegal and is considered a form of gambling fraud in many jurisdictions.