Sharps and Flats A Complete Revelation of the Secrets of Cheating at Games of Chance and Skill

"Sharps and Flats" by John Nevil Maskelyne is a comprehensive look into the world of cheating at games, exposing the methods and secrets used by dishonest players in the late 1800s. Penned by a magician, this book seeks to inform the public about the tricks used to deceive people in all types of gambling. Maskelyne starts by discussing why some people cheat, according to his observations, and explains how widespread dishonest practices are. He then starts to show how tricksters operate in places like horse races and card games, warning readers and equipping them with the knowledge needed to spot foul play.