For starters, if using a plastic or particularly a heavy wood triangle I like to drop the triangle back on the balls as they break early, leaves them looking like a moron. Then I gently explain to them how dangerous their stupid move is. If using a cue to block I use a house cue and angle it so the cue ball will be going away from me if it takes flight.
On to sharking: These are things I only do if I catch the other player cheating or they are trying outrageous sharking. First, I show my butt a lot, literally. Bonus points to sneak out a silent deadly one. Anytime I can play shape to shoot a shot that puts my body between the opponent in his chair and the cue ball I do. Most particularly, they are looking at my butt. It doesn't take long for even a half decent player to realize this is deliberate. It is also disrespectful and hides any cheating I might do!
After hiding shots awhile or whenever I decide to I'll jerk my head around to stare at them after I shoot, immediately after or even with the balls still rolling. Not unusual to draw a scream, "FOUL!" I'll look at them nicely, "Really, what did you see?" Some will try to bluster or claim the most likely foul but they couldn't possibly have seen through my body to know what I did which was nothing illegal anyway. I never really cheat on the table.
I have done this to guys well known for their real cheating on the table. They invariably get so wrapped up in trying to catch me cheating that their focus on the match is lost. The head jerk by itself is wickedly effective and I sometimes use it when somebody is talking to a third party while I am shooting or staying on the phone so I have to wait a minute or two every time I turn a table over to them or they need to rack. They don't know what I did but I must have done something to look that guilty! The best cheat of all is the fake cheat. I suppose an unsportsmanlike call is possible if there is a referee present but the other person is unlikely to cheat with a referee so the whole issue is unlikely to exist.
If you are using scoring beads or other mechanical counters, seem to be messing with the opponent's when they turn towards you. An innocent sounding, "how many games do you have?" can help sell the deal. This is a little dangerous so consider exactly who your opponent is before even faking jacking with scoring beads. This can easily incite violence.
Lots of ways to make the other player crazy. I never do it just because I am losing. However I was a big fan of "when in Rome" and "catch up and double up!" You have to be careful though, all this side action can get in your head too! Some of the worst cheats around wouldn't play me because they thought I cheated more than they did. They might have been right but only when playing them. Too, my cheats were usually fake cheats.
Various stages I went from complaining about cheating, to fighting fire with fire, to life is too short to play known cheaters and sharkers. I may have to play them in a tournament but I am not getting in a cash game with them unless there is a special reason to. As they learn for themselves, it is no fun to play a cheater even if it is mostly in your own head!
Have fun, stay safe, and send me ten percent if you use my tactics.(grin)
Hu
