What would the birthday guest rather win?
If your Carolina Beach plans include the Boardwalk arcade, take the spirit of a rematch home. At my table, two friends can call what happens next with a pair of dice. The guest of honor can take on the winner or sit back and nominate someone with an unfortunate history of overconfidence. No money changes hands, and a drink is optional.
Give the cake its own entrance.
For a surprise birthday, put the magic table where guests face away from whoever is sneaking dessert into the room. Pick one person to signal when the candles are lit. I can save a card for the guest of honor, finish with the room looking their way, and give the floor back before the wax has time to do any real damage.
If the birthday person doesn’t like being singled out, I’ll keep the station open while people come and go. They can drop in privately with one friend. Send me the party address and which version they’d enjoy. The number on the cake is none of my business.