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    Edge Sorting

    Exploiting manufacturing imperfections on card backs.

    Full Explanation

    Edge sorting is a controversial advantage play technique where players identify subtle differences in the patterns on the backs of playing cards due to manufacturing imperfections. By requesting the dealer rotate certain cards, skilled edge sorters can identify high-value cards when they appear face-down. Made famous by Phil Ivey's multi-million-pound wins at London's Crescent casino, edge sorting has been ruled by courts as not cheating but also not legitimate play — casinos are not obligated to pay edge sorting winnings. This technique is essentially impossible in online casinos due to virtual card generation.

    💡 Example

    Phil Ivey won £7.7 million at Punto Banco using edge sorting, but the casino refused to pay.

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    Sarah van der Berg

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    Sarah creates educational gambling content to help SA players understand the terminology and make informed decisions.

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