. How did Phil Ivey use edge sorting during his visit to Crockfords Casino?

[Huego213]

Phil Ivey is a professional poker player who was involved in an legal dispute with the Crockfords Casino in London over the use of a technique called "edge sorting" while playing a form of baccarat known as Punto Banco.
Edge sorting involves exploiting imperfections on the backs of playing cards to help determine their value. Specifically, Ivey and his playing partner were able to distinguish the value of certain key cards by observing subtle patterns on the backs caused by manufacturing flaws.
By orchestrating certain conditions at the casino, like requesting a specific kind of playing cards and having an accommodating dealer, Ivey was allegedly able to use this knowledge to gain an immense advantage over the house in Punto Banco games played in 2012.

 

[CR7]

Phil Ivey's use of edge sorting during his visit to Crockfords Casino in London sparked a legal battle between him and the casino. Edge sorting involves exploiting imperfections on the backs of playing cards to identify key cards and gain an advantage in games like Punto Banco. By recognizing and using these imperfections to their advantage, Ivey and his playing partner were able to significantly increase their odds of winning.

Ivey's strategy involved requesting a specific type of playing cards that he knew had the imperfections he could use for edge sorting. Additionally, he made sure to have an accommodating dealer who would unknowingly orient the cards in a way that would allow him to capitalize on the edge sorting technique. This meticulous planning enabled Ivey to win substantial amounts of money during his time at Crockfords Casino in 2012.

However, the legality of Ivey's actions was called into question by the casino, which refused to pay out his winnings, amounting to around £7.7 million. The matter escalated into a court case, where Crockfords argued that Ivey's edge sorting technique was a form of cheating. Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of the casino, stating that Ivey's use of edge sorting constituted cheating under civil law principles.

The case attracted significant attention in the gambling world, leading to discussions about the ethics of using advanced advantage plays like edge sorting in casinos. Despite the outcome of the legal dispute, the incident involving Phil Ivey at Crockfords Casino remains a prominent example of how skilled players can exploit loopholes and imperfections to gain an edge in high-stakes games.

 

[Lazza]

Ivey modified his betting strategy in accordance with how the cards were sorted. He made bigger bets when he anticipated that subsequent hands would feature high-value cards. In contrast, he minimized his bets to limit losses when low-value cards were anticipated.