There are a few things you could do to protect yourself if you suspect the cards at a poker game are marked. The first step is to leave the area. You don’t have to stay in a game you suspect is rigged.
The second thing you can do is to use your best judgment. You may not want to share your suspicions with everyone, especially if you’re afraid that someone will get hurt in the process, but you should be able to find somewhere else to play your game if you have doubts about the deck.
You can easily tell if cards have been marked by looking at them closely. You can check for scratches or discoloration that is difficult to spot on a card’s face. You can also check for inconsistencies like the color of the sleeves or the shape and size of the cards in the deck.
You can also use a filter or a blacklight to test the deck. These tests can help determine whether a deck is marked. But the most important test to do is to watch how it’s played.
Some card sharps mark cards’ backs with tiny ink spots that make it easy to spot. Others alter patterns on the backs. This allows them to read the contents of their opponents’ hands without being noticed by the spectators.
Block-out work can also be used to mark a deck. In this case, small white areas are added into the back design. You can do this by either blocking out flower details or using a razor to remove certain white figures.
Cut-out work, which is a subtler version of the blocking method, involves cutting out some of the printed details from the back of a card with a razor. This can be used to conceal the backs cards with a more complicated pattern, such the clock faces on some decks of card.
A card that is specially designed to be invisible to the average person is the best way to mark a deck. These cards are known by the Magic Shop as “bosswork”
There are many types you can choose from for boss work. It is important to choose what type of boss work suits your needs. Avoid boss work that is too clear or difficult to feel. It will make it easier for others not to notice your strengths.
It’s also a good practice to ensure that your boss works in the right places and that the cards are in a clear deck. It can be hard, but it is worth it for the added security and peace-of-mind it provides.