cup game
Ball-hiding street scam
A cup game is a sleight-of-hand trick where a small object—traditionally a ball or pea—is hidden under one of several cups, which are then shuffled while spectators try to track the object's location.
The game is almost always rigged, making it a classic street hustle: Don't fall for the cup game—you'll never win.
By extension, any deceptive scheme where the mark can't win may be called a cup game.
- three card monteCard-shuffling street swindle
- find the ladyCard-shuffling street hustle
- street hustleIllicit sidewalk moneymaking
- hustleEnergetic, aggressive action
- scamDishonest money-making scheme
sleight of hand · trick · street · con · confidence trick · ball · shuffle · guess · hidden · swindle · carnival · betting · misdirection · quick hands · hands · quick · cheat · gamble
- Old Gameschess, backgammon, checkers, draughts, mancala
- street consthree card monte, three-card monte, thimblerig, find the lady, street hustle
- clapping styleshand clapping, patty-cake, slow clap
cup gamefair game
Legitimate object of pursuit
state lottery · roulette · blackjack · square deal · poker tournament
cup gamegame of skill
Contest won by ability
chess · strategy game · athletic contest · level playing field · fair competition
cup, game, cups, cupped, cupping, cupful, cupfuls, games, gamed