Thimblerigging is a deceitful game of chance performed by a person who tries to hide a small object under one of three cups or thimbles to trick people into guessing which one hides the object. Synonyms for thimblerigging include shell game, three-card monte, and cups and balls. These words all describe acts of deception or trickery used to cheat people out of their money through sleight of hand and misdirection. While thimblerigging is illegal in many countries, it still persists in some areas, and its many synonyms continue to be used to describe deceitful activities and scams.