Match or Cheat

The Cardsharps by Caravaggio, 1700

"The Cardsharps" is a renowned painting by the Italian Baroque artist Caravaggio, created around 1594. It exemplifies Caravaggio's exceptional skill in utilising light and shadow (chiaroscuro) and showcases his sharp insight into human nature, a distinctive feature of his art.

The painting illustrates a scene with two men playing cards. One of them, appearing to be an unsuspecting young man, is being deceived by the other two, who are acting dishonestly. The young man is oblivious to the fact that he's being tricked, while one of the card players is stealthily reaching into his pocket to steal money. The other player, positioned to the left, is either dealing or getting ready for his next move.

The compositional structure of this painting is highlighted by the triangular relationship. The naive young man is depicted as innocent and oblivious to the deceit surrounding him. His expression combines focus and naiveté, rendering him susceptible to the scam. The older man (on the right) is attired in opulent, slightly ostentatious clothing and leverages his experience and wisdom to influence the situation. The second man, who is seated, is involved in stealing from the younger man, illustrating the corrupt aspect of human nature.

In keeping with Caravaggio's style, the painting features dramatic lighting, with a powerful light source originating from the left, creating deep shadows on the figures. The chiaroscuro technique, pointing out the contrast between light and dark, enhances the realism and three-dimensionality of the triangle figures.

The painting can be seen as a critique of the perils associated with betting and deception, illustrating how the inexperienced (the young man) is exploited by those who are more seasoned and ethically compromised. The delicate nature of trust within society, illustrating how effortlessly individuals can be influenced.

This work is frequently recognised for its unfiltered, realistic depiction of the characters, which contrasts with the idealised figures commonly seen in many religious, mythological or cult artworks of that era. Caravaggio's realism animates the characters and their motives, creating an experience that feels nearly voyeuristic.

One of Caravaggio's most remarkable talents was his skill in portraying intricate human emotions and psychological depth. The expressions and body language of the characters in The Cardsharps convey all the necessary details about the unfolding drama.

The young man's expression of naïve concentration, the older man’s smug, almost predatory demeanor, and the subtle gesture of the thief all contribute to an almost cinematic narrative. Caravaggio's skill at depicting the inner workings of the characters' minds is what gives the scene its tension.

The central theme of The Cardsharps is deception, and it’s both a literal and metaphorical theme. On the surface, it's a con game, but it also speaks to larger questions of morality, trust, and human nature.

The painting suggests that, in a society where people are constantly vulnerable to manipulation, trust is something fragile. The young man, who is unaware of the con being played on him, is not just being robbed of money, but of his innocence. Caravaggio may be commenting on the corrupting power of greed and the ease with which people deceive others for personal gain.

"The Cardsharps" depicts a world often ignored by high society, the underworld of gamblers, thieves, and petty criminals. Caravaggio often painted scenes of this type, showing the less glamorous, rougher side of life. In some ways, this fits with the burgeoning interest in the "low" subjects of the Baroque period. While earlier periods of art favoured religious, mythological or even cult subjects, Baroque artists like Caravaggio were more willing to explore the gritty realities of everyday life. By portraying the criminal world in such a stark way, Caravaggio gave a voice to the marginalised.

Caravaggio’s interest in depicting “low-life” scenes would continue throughout his career. Later paintings like The Supper at Emmaus and The Calling of Saint Matthew would explore themes of redemption and salvation, but his early works, like The Cardsharps, focus more on the vices and moral complexities of life. It’s worth noting that Caravaggio’s work was often considered controversial in its time because of its intense realism and its often unsparing portrayal of human flaws.

On a surface level, the card game is just a game, but it can be seen as a metaphor for life itself—a game of chance where some players are more skillful (or deceptive) than others. The cards in the painting may symbolise fate or the randomness of life. The young man’s lack of experience contrasts with the older man’s control, making the game not just one of cards but also one of manipulation and power.

The act of stealing adds another layer of meaning, suggesting the moral decay of society and human greed. The money being taken from the young man is not just a material loss—it represents the loss of innocence and the harsh reality of the world.

The different clothes of the figures are telling. The older man is dressed in a fine outfit, which could indicate his wealth or social status. This starkly contrasts with the younger man’s humble attire, underscoring the social divisions and class dynamics at play. It’s a commentary on the vulnerability of the poor to the manipulations of the rich or the morally corrupt.

In The Cardsharps, the card game is more than just an entertaining pastime; it functions as a question for life's uncertainties, where luck, fortune, and chance play a central role. Yet, manipulation and skill are the key elements that tip the scales in favor of those who understand how to exploit the game for their own gain. The scene seems to suggest that, much like life, betting is a place where vulnerable individuals can be taken advantage of—especially when they don't have the experience or knowledge to navigate the treacherous waters of deceit.

In this context, the game involves more than mere luck; it revolves around power dynamics - who has control over the deck, who understands the rules, and who is being deceived by them.

The term "cardsharp" itself refers to someone who cheats or has superior skill at card games, often at the expense of the unsuspecting or the naïve. It’s a word that, in Caravaggio’s time, carried a negative connotation, implying not just a master of the game, but someone who uses trickery, deception, and sometimes violence to win.

Staff at the Littlewoods Pools building in Edge Lane, Liverpool. Image from the National Football Museum

Football betting has a rich history similar to card games, with significant turning points occurring from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.

The football pool (or soccer pool in some regions) is a type of betting game based on the results of football (soccer) matches, where players predict the outcomes of matches to win prizes or money. The history of the football pool is both fascinating and a bit complex, as it evolved over many decades and across different regions.

By the late 1800s, the concept of pool or lottery-based betting had gained popularity in several countries, including the UK, with horse racing pools being particularly widespread. Football pools probably developed from this concept, allowing people to bet on football (soccer) outcomes instead of horse races or other sports events.

Mail bags being received and checked in at the headquarters of Unity Football Pools in Liverpool, in 1939.

As the popularity of association football (soccer) spread in England and Europe, betting on match results began to gain traction. Early forms of football betting involved predicting the outcome of matches (win, lose, or draw) but were relatively informal.

The first formal football pool was likely established in 1923 in England, and it quickly became a popular pastime. It was known as the "Football Pool" and was operated in conjunction with various newspapers. The concept was relatively simple; you would pick a set of football match results (win, lose, or draw) from a list of matches, and depending on how accurate your predictions were, you could win a prize.

The 1930s and 1940s saw an explosion in the popularity of football pools, particularly in the UK. During this period, many football pool companies were established, including the most famous and long-lasting, Littlewoods Pools. These companies ran large-scale betting operations, offering huge prizes for players who correctly predicted the outcomes of football matches.

By the 1930s and 1940s, football pools had become a regular feature of British life. Many people who were not wealthy enough to participate in other forms of gambling (like casinos) found that they could participate in football pools by paying relatively small amounts to predict match results.

At the time, football was immensely popular in the UK, and so football pools gained wide appeal across different social classes. The betting was often conducted through newspapers, which published the list of matches for players to select. Newspapers like The Daily Mirror and The Sun ran large pool competitions, encouraging mass participation.

Players often formed syndicates to increase their chances of winning. These syndicates allowed groups of people to pool their money to buy more entries, thereby improving their odds. Consequently, football pools turned into a community event, leading people to pay closer attention to matches and fostering a collective passion for the sport that extended beyond the games themselves.

Post-War expansion was the golden age of football pools1950s–1980s, the period after World War II saw football pools reaching their golden age.

By the 1950s, pools were generating millions of pounds in revenue. It was a time of major social and economic change in Britain, and the football pools became ingrained in popular culture. At its peak, the Littlewoods Football Pools alone had over 30 million people participating every week, with regular prizes worth large sums of money. This meant that football pools reached a wide audience, from working-class individuals to middle-class families.

The 1960s and 1970s brought television coverage of the Football Pools. Special televised shows highlighted the results, bringing more attention to the betting games. People could follow their predictions live on Media, which further entrenched football pools as part of the British social fabric.

The football pool holds nostalgic value in many areas, particularly in the UK. Traditionally, it was seen as an affordable, community-focused betting activity that brought people together in the thrill and letdown of predicting football results.

The social aspect—whether it was a work syndicate or a family tradition—made the football pool a staple of British popular culture.

The history of the football pool is a rich and storied one, tied to the social and cultural development of the UK and other countries where football has a strong following. From its humble beginnings in the 1920s to its peak in the post-war years, the football pool became one of the most significant forms of betting in the 20th century. Although it has been overtaken by other forms of betting in recent decades, it remains a part of the nostalgia for many fans of both football and gambling, and the concept of pools-style betting continues in various forms.

What has turned betting into a national pastime and an integral part of the culture?

What is the rationale for this?

Financial Dealings and Economic Advantages

It is indisputable that football betting offers advantages to society by supporting the sports, finance, business, and media sectors. This also demonstrates that its reach is extensive and enduring. Therefore, football betting organisers must carefully consider how to ensure the game's sustainability and growth. What are they truly wagering on?

Here we can give an example, A, B, C and D, 4 teams:

Round 1: A vs B / B vs C/ C vs D / D vs A

Winner: Team B wins twice

Round 2: A vs C / C vs D / D vs A

Winner: Team C wins twice

Round 3: A vs D

Winner: Team D

A Out

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Semi-final

Round 4: B vs C / C vs D / D vs B

Winner: Team C wins twice

Round 5: B vs D

Winner: Team D

B Out

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Final

Round 6: C vs D

Winner: Team C

For most people watching the game, it might spark curiosity about who will win in the final. However, if you're an organiser, the game should be structured by layers and categories to achieve maximum gain.

If we give the 6 Rounds to 6 investment clusters in different industries, eg. Round 1 goes to Farmers, Round 2 goes to Bankers, then Round 3 goes with Investors. After 6 rounds will cover 6 industries to join this game. We call it - Round Category

Meanwhile, if we give 4 teams to 4 different social class investors, eg. team A for Lower Class, B for Middle Class, C for Elites, D for Billionaires. After the game, it would cover 90% of society. We call it - Team Category

According to the 2 categories, we give each of the four team a code, eg. Team A wears clothes with Apple, Team B is Grape, Team C is Banana, Team D is Cherry, this code only Team Category's Elite investors and Billionaire investors know. So, the game to elits and billionaires are not Team A B C or D, are Apple, Grape, Banana or Cherry.

In the same way, we give each of 6 Rounds a code only to Bankers and Farmers, eg. Round1's mascot is Rabbit, Round2 is Pig, Round3 is Tiger, Round4 is Snake, Round5 is Chicken, Round6 is Cow; then the game to Farmers and Bankers is about Animal.

At this point, interesting things would happen, if you see 2 teams wear Apple, or rabbit is the mascot of Round 1,2, 3 in a row. It tells at least one group of people won double bet, while another group won triple bet. Some people were doomed to lose from the very beginning with no idea.

If a key player from A, B, C or D suddenly dies or withdraws during the game, at least it can be known that the team's chances of winning will decrease, consequently, investors in next round would spurn this team. If a billionaire investor "dies or suicides" during the game, the investment funds go to the organiser, because the code only organisers and private clusters know. And also, If a player or a elite marries a movie star during the game, it can be concluded that sport and entertainment industries have made significant investments in this team; marriage becomes a transaction or business; murder is investment .

While most people are anticipating a winner, someone has actually already won.

Betting and gambling are frequently depicted in various roles. Betting closely resembles a zero-sum game, a concept in game theory where one player's gain is perfectly offset by another player's loss. Essentially, the total gains and losses among all participants equal zero. This idea is often explained through the pizza analogy: if one individual takes a larger slice, others receive smaller slices, resulting in a net gain of zero for the group. In finance and economics, zero-sum games emphasise competitive situations where winning is possible only at the cost (or murder) of someone else.

Who is slicing the pizza? Of course, it's the organiser, whom we refer to as "chameleon."

Chameleons don't take a fixed position; right from the start of the game, they are connected with every branch and team player as a third party in a triangle relationship. The game's direction is adaptable and dynamic, and the team that eventually wins is the one that best maximizes the final gains. Organisers can simultaneously share private information from teams with any clusters in exchange for benefits. Imagine if this game turned into an economic cornerstone and an necessary tradition for a nation; in that case, the organisers of the game would monopoly the entire country.

Following, the organisers play the role of chameleons, leading the investment group that has won the bet to engage in charity work. Then they become philanthropists, while the group that has lost the bet and the general public will instead be grateful for their kindness. This cycle process will welcome more attention from investors and sponsors. Chameleons are capable of hosting swimming championships, horse racing etc. in every country.

Chameleons will always be invincible.

However, there are many ways to terminate this game. For instance, it could be permanently ended in the middle of the game, or the victory might surprise everyone. Then the interests of all people in the game will be simultaneously damaged and implicated, eventually leading to a loss of control in the "private society." The trust between the chameleon and the game participants may be crushed.

For the organisers, the game's outcome is not significant; the process is what matters. For investors, the game's process influences the future investment direction. Especially since this game has become a national necessity.

The distinction between gambling and betting (zero-sum game) lies in the match of results and cheat benefits. Are you a matcher or cheater?

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Lucia Nelluri

Sydney, Australia

09:00 PM, Sun

Sept 14 2025

Devika Mohan

Delhi, India

05:00 PM, Sun

Sept 14 2025

Co-edited by Artpendix Team