Part I: Card Game Cheating · SLEIGHT-OF-HAND TECHNIQUES

Bottom Dealing

How it works

Bottom dealing involves dealing cards from the BOTTOM of the deck while creating the illusion that cards are being dealt from the top. The dealer holds the deck and uses their fingers to secretly pull the bottom card out and deal it, while the top card remains in place. This allows the dealer to maintain a “stock” of desired cards on top of the deck for themselves or a confederate. Unlike the second deal which only controls one card, bottom dealing allows control of an entire stack. Done fluidly, an accomplished mechanic can deal from the bottom in a way that truly appears normal.

Where it appears

Poker, Blackjack, private games

On the record

The bottom deal is considered one of the most difficult sleight-of-hand moves to perform well. Many professional card mechanics spend years mastering it. Herb Zarrow, inventor of the Zarrow shuffle, was legendary for his bottom dealing skill.

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.