What is Edge Sorting?
Edge sorting is an advantage play method where a player identifies minor imperfections on the backs of playing cards to determine their value before they are dealt. This technique gives the player a substantial mathematical edge over the house. For edge sorting to be possible, the deck of cards must be defective, with asymmetrical patterns on the back.
At first glance, these decks look normal. However, a close inspection reveals that the pattern on the back edges isn't symmetrical. For example, a card design featuring diamonds might have a full row of diamonds on one long edge and a row of half-diamonds on the opposite edge. This manufacturing flaw is the key.
Simply noticing the flaw isn't enough. The player must sort the cards into groups, typically high-value and low-value cards. This is done by asking the dealer to rotate certain cards 180 degrees, often under the guise of superstition. Once sorted, the player can identify upcoming cards by the orientation of their back pattern.
How Edge Sorting Works in Baccarat
Baccarat is the ideal game for edge sorting because knowing whether the next card is high or low provides a massive advantage. In Baccarat, cards 6, 7, 8, and 9 are the most important.
An edge sorter will ask the dealer to rotate high-value cards one way and low-value cards another. A common request is to rotate cards for 'good luck'. If the dealer complies and the shuffling procedure doesn't reorient the cards, the deck becomes sorted. As the dealer deals the next shoe, the player can distinguish the high and low cards from their backs and adjust their bets on Player or Banker accordingly, leading to a significant profit.
Is Edge Sorting Illegal?
Surprisingly, edge sorting is not illegal in a criminal sense. However, it exists in a legal gray area. Casinos define cheating as physically interfering with the game or using a device. Since edge sorting relies on observation and convincing the dealer to turn cards, it doesn't fit this definition.
While you likely won't face jail time for edge sorting, casinos consider it a form of cheating. If you're caught, you will be banned from the property and forced to return any winnings obtained through the technique.
The casino will always place the blame on the player, regardless of whether the card manufacturer was at fault for producing flawed cards. The risk of detection and financial loss falls entirely on the advantage player.
Conditions for Successful Edge Sorting
For edge sorting to work, a perfect storm of conditions must be met:
- Defective Cards: The deck must have an asymmetrical pattern on the back.
- Compliant Dealer: The dealer must agree to rotate specific cards as requested by the player.
- Consistent Shuffle: The shuffle procedure must not involve a 'turn' that would rotate the cards and undo the sort. Automatic shufflers that don't turn the cards are ideal for the player.
- No Interference: The cards must not be touched or turned by anyone else.
- Avoiding Detection: The player must execute the strategy without alerting casino surveillance.
How Casinos Combat Edge Sorting
Casinos are well aware of this technique and have implemented several countermeasures to prevent it:
- Symmetrical Cards: Many casinos now specifically order cards with perfectly symmetrical back patterns or all-white borders.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Card producers use more precise printing and cutting methods to eliminate edge flaws.
- Shuffling Procedures: Dealers are often trained to perform a 'turn' (rotating a block of cards 180 degrees) during the shuffle.
- New Decks: Some high-stakes rooms discard the cards after each shoe, making sorting impossible.
The Famous Phil Ivey Edge Sorting Case
The most prominent example of edge sorting involves poker superstar Phil Ivey. Alongside his partner Cheung Yin Sun, Ivey won millions playing Baccarat at casinos in London and Atlantic City.
Ivey's case brought edge sorting into the mainstream. His wins and subsequent legal battles highlighted how effective, and how controversial, the technique could be.
In 2012, Ivey and Sun won approximately $12 million at London's Crockfords Casino and nearly $10 million at the Borgata in Atlantic City. They made specific requests to the dealers, asking for a specific brand of purple Gemaco cards (known to have flaws), an automatic shuffler, and for certain cards to be rotated 180 degrees, citing superstition. The dealers complied.
Crockfords refused to pay the winnings, and Borgata later sued Ivey to reclaim the money they had paid out. After lengthy court battles, the rulings went in favor of the casinos. Ivey and Sun were ordered to repay over $10 million to the Borgata, with the court deciding they had breached their contract with the casino by manipulating the game.
Does Edge Sorting Work in Other Games?
While Baccarat is the primary target for edge sorting, players have wondered about its use in other card games.
Poker
Edge sorting is completely ineffective in poker. Players handle their own cards, constantly looking at them, moving them, and mucking them. This constant, unpredictable movement makes it impossible to maintain a sorted deck. Furthermore, no poker table would permit one player to dictate how others' cards are oriented.
Blackjack
Edge sorting is theoretically possible in Blackjack. Identifying the next card as an Ace or a 10-value card would provide a massive edge. However, the conditions are harder to meet than in Baccarat. Moreover, traditional card counting is a far more practical and proven advantage play technique for Blackjack, with less risk of detection.
Conclusion: High Risk, High Reward
Edge sorting is a fascinating and highly effective way to beat the game of Baccarat when the conditions are perfect. The story of Phil Ivey proves that millions can be won. However, that same story shows that casinos will fight to get their money back and ban players who use the technique.
The chances of finding the right cards, a compliant dealer, and a favorable shuffle are slim. Even if you succeed, the house will eventually discover how it was beaten. While knowing about edge sorting is valuable for any serious gambler, attempting it is a high-risk venture that is not recommended.
