The most popular card game in the casino is known to lure many gamblers into their establishment. Blackjack is a classic table game that requires luck and an effective strategy. Since the goal of the game is to beat the dealer, countless blackjack players seek advantageous methods that can benefit them while playing online or actual casinos. There are various techniques that can be learned by average gamblers such as the card counting method. This method can increase your chances in winning the game, however most casinos are too familiar with this technique and often prohibit this at the table. Aside from card counting, there is another effective technique that players can utilize. The technique is called edge sorting wherein the player can determine the value of the card by recognizing irregularities in the print behind the cards.
Casinos consider edge sorting as illegal but there are instances wherein many players consider this as an effective method due to the fact that it gives an advantage to them that rewards their skill.
Edge Sorting Technique
Each specific manufactured deck designed by large companies uses equipment to produce playing cards in bulk. The back of the playing card contains an intricate design surrounded by a white border. Some factories manufacture cards with similar white borders, however this rarely happens. One side of the card typically has a larger border than the other side. The purpose of the edge sorter is for players to identify the differences of each back portion of the card. In order to accomplish this, the player needs one type of card facing one way in the deck and another card facing the other. This will make it easier to identify the irregularities at the back.
This whole process is not impossible. Skilled edge sorters can easily read and identify the backs of the playing cards. Professional poker player Phil Ivey is one of the edge sorters skilled in this technique. Edge sorting can be successful once the dealer is not aware of your tactic. This method is effective once tens rotate in a different direction than the rest of the cards. To accomplish this, the player needs to make a request to the dealer. In order to avoid suspicious thoughts from the dealer, you need to come up with a good reason. With luck and superstition, the dealer will comply with your request.
Is This Technique Legal in Blackjack?
Phil Ivey is a professional poker player who used the edge sorting method in one of his games. The player found himself at the center of a huge scandal. The case ended up in court wherein casinos argued that the technique is indeed illegal. In 2012, Phil Ivey and his partner Cheung Yin Sun used edge sorting in baccarat, winning $9.6 million from the casino. This caused suspicions from the establishment and pushed an investigation. Ivey was ordered to repay the casino $10 million. However, this scandal did not stop him. He managed to accomplish the same feat at a casino in London. This case also ended up at the court and they demanded Ivey to pay his winnings and refund his original stake. The casino however, revoked its choice to send the winning, which caused Ivey to sue them but unfortunately he lost in court.
Is It a Skill or Cheating in Some Cases
The same situation happened with the card counting technique. Many casinos believed that card counting was illegal, however the court says otherwise. Card counting is not considered illegal up to this day, however it can still get you banned in some casinos. Other players claim that edge sorting is in the same category. They consider edge sorting as a skill that can be used to lower the house edge. The courts have no statement regarding this matter but in most cases, the practice is considered to be illegal.
Nowadays, most casinos take measures to make edge sorting very difficult for players. Dealers will be told to not comply with any requests given by players. The dealer will also be authorized to ban any player who requests for an edge sorting. Lastly, the casino will only allow players who make flat bets rather than varying their bets up and down as the advantage changes.
