Marked poker cards refer to playing cards that have been altered in some way to allow a player to identify their value or suit without seeing the face of the card. This can be done through various methods, such as:
1. Edge Marking: Small, almost imperceptible marks are made on the edges of the cards. These marks can be scratches, bends, or ink spots that are strategically placed to indicate the card’s value or suit.
2. Luminous Marking: Invisible ink that can only be seen with special contact lenses or glasses is used to mark the cards. This method is often used in conjunction with a partner who can see the marks and signal the information to the cheater.
3. Block-Out Work: Certain parts of the back design of the card are blocked out or altered to create a unique pattern that can be recognized by the cheater.
4. Cutting: The cards are trimmed slightly to change their size or shape, making it possible to identify them by feel or by subtle differences in their dimensions.
5. Daubing: A substance is applied to the back of the cards to make them sticky or to leave a residue that can be felt or seen under certain lighting conditions.
6. Shading: The back design of the card is subtly shaded or colored in a way that is not noticeable to the untrained eye but can be used to identify the card.
Marked poker cards are often used in cheating schemes, especially in gambling environments where significant amounts of money are at stake. Casinos and legitimate card game organizers take extensive measures to prevent the use of marked cards, including using high-quality, standardized decks, regularly inspecting cards for tampering, and employing surveillance to detect suspicious behavior.
It’s important to note that using marked cards to cheat in a poker game is illegal and unethical. It can result in severe penalties, including being banned from casinos, facing legal action, and damaging one’s reputation.