Part I: Card Game Cheating · CARD MARKING METHODS
Pin Pricking / Blisters
How it works
Pin pricking involves using a sharp pin or needle to create tiny raised bumps (called “blisters”) on the surface of the card. These bumps can be felt by the cheater’s fingertips and resemble Braille script. Different patterns and positions of blisters indicate different card values. The marks are almost impossible to see and are read by touch. The cheater reads the marks while handling or dealing the cards.
Where it appears
Poker, Blackjack, any card game
On the record
Pin pricking is one of the oldest marking methods, predating printed card backs. It was well established by the late 19th century; Maskelyne's 'Sharps and Flats' (1894) describes needle pricks and the 'poker-ring' used to mark cards during play. It remains effective today because it requires no visual reading.
Detection & preventionADVISORY
The paid halfHow a monitoring room catches pin pricking / blisters, and what stops it recurring, written for the desk, not the reader.
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Published as a detection reference for surveillance, compliance and gaming-operations professionals. Thresholds and tuning are set by the property. Nothing here is instruction: the method is described so it can be recognised.