Poker Edge Sorting
Posted By admin On 10/04/22This advantage play technique has gotten a lot of attention in the media over the last few years following Phil Ivey’s edge sorting cases in Atlantic City and London casinos.
In short, edge sorting refers to a situation where the back of the card has pattern flaws, which opens the doors to identifying even face-down cards in specific cases; something that would put the player at a distinct advantage over the casino.
While there are many different techniques experienced gamblers use to try and get the upper hand, this particular one caught the attention of the public as it was used by one of poker’s best-known poker players.
Because of all the coverage, many people have developed an interest in this particular play. For some, it was just curiosity, while others were wondering if using edge sorting could maybe help them make some money as well. No matter what group you belong to, these are the top 3 facts you need to know about edge sorting.
1. Edge sorting requires a highly controlled environment
Edge sorting doesn't work for poker. There are lots of reasons but 1) As all players and the dealer handle the cards even if you turned a card it would not stay turned. 2) Cards dealt across the table spin and turn 3) Players get too few cards to turn compared to the rest also turned each hand. Edge sorting is a method of advantage play that uses natural irregularities in the cut on the backs of cards to be able to identify certain groups of cards. By being able to identify critical cards, APs are able to improve their betting and playing decisions.
While articles you might read in the media might make it sound easy, you need a highly controlled environment to execute an edge sorting advantage play properly. This strategy involves the dealer agreeing to your requests to rotate the cards you pick, the casino only using an automatic shuffler, and pit bosses being okay with your strange demands.
If you were thinking about trying this out in your local casino, think again. No dealer or pit boss will go that much out of their way to make a player betting $20 or even $100 a hand happy. That kind of treatment is reserved only for high rollers who spend obscene amounts of money.
Even if the casino was particularly accommodating, you could only utilize the edge sorting technique if they’re actually using flawed decks. Not all card decks have defective patterns that will allow you to distinguish between favorable and non-favorable cards.
So, overall, this isn’t something you can just go and do whenever you like. It does require very special conditions, that are not likely to happen in most games.
2. Edge sorting is irrelevant in poker
Because Ivey is primarily known as a poker player and it was his personal notoriety that caused edge sorting to get so much attention, people might make a random connection between this technique and poker strategy. The truth is that edge sorting is entirely useless for poker players as there is no scenario where you could make it work.
The kind of controlled environment you need for edge sorting can only happen in games like baccarat, most likely if you’re the only one playing. At a poker table, even if the dealer were to accommodate your request to turn cards (which would never happen in a million years), it’d be impossible to pick up any useful information. Plus, you’re playing against other players as opposed to the house.
The moment those cards are dealt to the players, those edges will get messed up since they will be moving and rotating their cards, and there is no rule to prevent it. So, not even the best edge sorting mechanic out there could find any use for the technique at a poker table.
3. Edge sorting can get you in trouble
Unlike card counting, which is largely legal (even if frowned upon by the casinos), edge sorting seems to be regarded more as a form of cheating. Ivey lost both of his cases (against Crockfords and the Borgata), which indicates the law isn’t on the player’s side here.
While you’re unlikely to go to prison for it, the casino may refuse to pay you when it is all said and done – and you’ll have no recourse in the matter. They could let you play the entire night to see if you win or lose (as you can still lose even when edge sorting). If you win, they simply tell you that you used the advantage play technique that’s not allowed and send you on your way.
Since courts in the UK and the USA have already established edge sorting isn’t a valid technique and represents a form of behavior that’s outside of the rules, you won’t be able to get your money. So, it’s really a lose-lose proposition.
Blackjack Edge Sorting
Other Posts You'll Enjoy
- Cardplayer Lifestyle Ranked Among the Top 30 Poker Blogs
After more than 1 year online, apparently people are starting to take notice of this site and poker blog. Congratulations to Card Player Lifestyle :-)…
- Cardplayer Lifestyle Celebrates Three Years Online
Happy birthday to us! We're celebrating 3 years online and couldn't be happier going into our fourth! Here's a rundown of some of our top…
- 3 Top Poker Games for Your PCs, Mobile Devices, and Game Consoles
Zynga isn't the only play-for-fun poker that can be played on your PC. There are a good few other poker games that you can enjoy…
- Top Poker Pros Phil Hellmuth and Annie Duke Leave UB
Two of the biggest names in poker, Phil Hellmuth and Annie Duke, have announced that they have severed business ties with UB. Notoriously in the…
- 5 Top Poker Songs and What They Are Really About
Next time you sit down to play a long poker session, be sure you have your poker song playlist ready. Arguably, there's no better forum…
- It's Time to Reveal My Poker Face
After being involved in the poker industry for close to 6 years as a writer, 2.5 years as mobile app creator, and just over a…
20 Mar
There must be barely anybody in the poker community that isn’t familiar with the Phil Ivey edge sorting scandal.
Poker Edge Sorting
The all-time poker great took casinos around the world for tens of millions of dollars and then landed in hot water as he was dragged through the legal system in more than one country.
The net result was that the court took an unfavourable view and ordered Ivey to pay back his ill-gotten gains.
The scandal caused so many ripples throughout the gambling world that now a movie has been announced to tell the story.
But just who are the most suitable actors to play the role of one of the greatest card players of all-time? Here are our choices.
Idris Elba
The slick British actor Idris ELba has had a successful career on boths sides of the Atlantic. Starring in The Wire and Brit cop show Luther, his image is perfect for a man used to high society.
Elba is also being tipped as the next James Bond, which tells you just how highly he is thought of in the acting world.
Don Cheadle
Don Cheadle is a Hollywood star with multiple Golden Globe awards. While more than a decade older than Ivey, he is a keen poker player as well as being amongst the best in his craft.
He even appeared on the much loved Poker After Dark 11 years ago, but currently has no live tournament cashes to his name.
Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan is a rising star in the acting world. Starting his career in the legendary Sopranos, he has gone on to win numerous awards and appeared in the recent blockbuster Black Panther.
Ten years younger than Ivey, he exudes confidence on-screen and doesn’t look so dissimilar. A perfect choice, and no doubt one that Ivey would be happy with.
Anthony Mackie
Anthony Mackie is another great choice to play Phil Ivey. Almost identical age and another superstar riding the crest of a wave in his acting career.
Edge Sorting In Poker
He rose to stardom 11 years ago in the war thriller Hurt Locker. Playing Sergeant J. T. Sanborn, Mackie was nominated for multiple awards for his performance and took his career to another level.
The only thing likely to prevent him from taking on a role such as this is that he looks to be plain too busy with blockbuster after blockbuster.
Poker Edge Sorting
Donald Glover
Donald Glover is the most versatile of our suggestions. Acting, comedy, writing, and even music.
He doesn’t have the most extensive filmography but has appeared in Spider-Man and Stars Wars movies, showing that he is more than capable of the job.
Glover would be our outside bet to land the role.