Edge sorting has captured widespread attention in the world of casino games, and it was thrust into the spotlight when poker star Phil Ivey famously used the technique to win multimillion‑pound sums in high‑stakes baccarat games.
This method relies on subtle irregularities in the design of playing‑card backs to give perceptive players a discreet advantage. As such, it has become a topic of fascination among gambling professionals, journalists, and the general public alike.
Despite the rise in popularity of edge sorting, the technique raises questions about fairness, legality, and casino policy.
Here, I’ll explain what edge sorting is, how it works, describe common techniques, compare it with other strategies and examine its legality, especially in light of the Phil Ivey case.
Definition of edge sorting
Edge sorting is a technique used in advantage gambling where a player exploits tiny, unintentional differences in the backs of playing cards to tell high‑value cards from low‑value ones by recognising how they were rotated during play, and this can work in many different games, including many poker variations.
The method relies on subtle asymmetries in card patterns and is often executed by persuading the dealer to orient specific cards in a particular way.
How edge sorting works
Edge sorting works by exploiting minute, unintentional asymmetries on the backs of playing cards during games like live baccarat.
The technique requires the player to persuade the dealer to rotate high‑value cards, often under the guise of superstition, so that these cards remain oriented consistently in one direction after shuffling. An automatic shuffler is used to maintain these orientations, as it does not notably alter the cards’ rotation.
As a result, when the cards are dealt facedown, the observant player can infer whether a card is likely high or low based on its orientation, granting them a statistical edge over the casino.
Edge sorting techniques
Edge Sorting techniques involve players typically requesting that high-value cards be rotated by the dealer, often framed as superstition, in order to make these cards visually distinct. Automated shuffling is then used so that the orientation persists through the deal.
For example, Phil Ivey and Cheung Yin Sun asked for specific cards and a Mandarin-speaking dealer at Crockfords in London to subtly rotate 6s through 9s, enabling them to identify those cards by their edges and gain a strategic advantage.
Differences between edge sorting and other strategies
Edge sorting is distinct from other advantage‑play strategies such as card counting and shuffle tracking. Edge sorting relies on visual cues, subtle, unintentional irregularities in the backs of cards, to distinguish high‑value cards from low‑value ones when playing games like live blackjack, as opposed to digital games on the best online casinos.
By contrast, card counting tracks the ratio of high and low cards that have been dealt to estimate when the odds may favour the player. Shuffle tracking involves identifying and following groups or “clumps” of cards through a shuffle to predict their future location during play.
So, edge sorting focuses on card backs and orientation, while the others depend on statistical observation and tracking over time.
Is edge sorting illegal?
Edge sorting occupies a legal grey area. In most jurisdictions, it is not deemed criminally illegal but is instead seen as improper advantage play, leading to civil disputes rather than criminal prosecution.
Notably, Phil Ivey’s use of edge sorting at Crockfords in London was ruled by the UK Supreme Court to constitute “cheating” under civil law, even though dishonesty was not required for that finding. In Atlantic City, a federal court found that Ivey had breached his contract and ordered him to return over $10 million in winnings.
Conclusion
Edge sorting is a clever method that lets players exploit subtle flaws on the backs of cards to gain an advantage over casinos. It all depends on rotation of high-value cards and automatic shuffling to preserve orientation.
This technique was brought to prominence by Phil Ivey and Cheung Yin Sun, leading to high-profile legal rulings that deemed it cheating under civil law and ordered repayment of millions of pounds/dollars. The method remains controversial, highlighting the fine line between skill and unfair advantage.
FAQ
1. What is edge sorting?
A technique in advantage gambling where subtle, unintentional differences on the backs of playing cards are used to infer whether cards are high or low. The dealer is persuaded to rotate high-value cards under superstition, creating visible orientation patterns that are maintained via automatic shuffling.
2. Is edge sorting considered cheating?
Yes, in civil law. Although not criminal, edge sorting has been ruled as cheating in several landmark cases. Phil Ivey’s use of the method was judged as cheating by the UK Supreme Court, and U.S. courts deemed it a contractual breach, leading to large repayment orders.
3. In which games is edge sorting used?
Most commonly in baccarat and its Punto Banco variant, where observing card orientation yields a distinct advantage. It has also been attempted in games like blackjack, Caribbean Stud, and Three Card Poker, though its effectiveness there is limited.
4. Who popularized edge sorting?
Phil Ivey and his accomplice Cheung Yin Sun popularised edge sorting after winning millions using the technique, first at Crockfords in London, then at the Borgata in Atlantic City, prompting extensive legal scrutiny and court rulings.
About the author
Daniel Smyth
Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.
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