Working the Telegraph
Working the telegraph is a way of cheating by sending prearranged signals about your hand to a partner, for example with finger positions or code words hidden in normal conversation.
The simple explanation
Two players who cheat together agree on signals. One of them shows a sign, perhaps with his fingers or a phrase, and the other knows what the cards are. This is collusion.
A closer look
The signals may look like ordinary behavior, so they are hard to detect. Casinos watch for such cheating with cameras and staff. In online poker, the same effect can be achieved with chat or an outside connection, which is why sites ban sharing information about hands. If you suspect that players are signaling each other, tell the floor or the support team.
A practical example
Two friends at a table use finger signs to tell each other the strength of their hands. They are working the telegraph.
Full explanation
Working the telegraph is a way of cheating by sending prearranged signals about your hand to a partner, for example with finger positions or code words hidden in normal conversation.
Working the telegraph means sending secret signals about your cards.
It is a form of collusion.
The signals may look like normal talk.
Report suspicious behavior to the floor.