I have many friends that have skype or yahoo that I play with a lot. We have a rule about it. We chat with each other even if we are at the same table, but never about our hand. I have taken out my brother and best friends a few times, and they have done the same to me. Even during live play, we play to win, not to help each other cheat so we both cash. the only way to make your game better is to play your best from start to finish. Taking it easy on people, whether they are your friend or not is just going to mess up your game, because if one day you find yourself up against a friend for some big cash, your emotions will get the better of you. So, to everyone who does cheat by using IMs,...RESPECT THE GAME AND YOUR FELLOW POKER PLAYERS!!!