Part I: Card Game Cheating · CARD MARKING METHODS

Card Punch / Embossing

How it works

A card punch is a small tool that creates a tiny raised bump (hump) on the surface of a card, usually on the face side. The bump can be felt by a dealer’s fingers, allowing them to identify specific cards (typically aces and face cards) while dealing. When the dealer feels the bump, they can execute a second deal to keep the card for themselves or send it to a confederate. The punch creates a small but detectable physical deformation in the card.

Where it appears

Blackjack, Poker (primarily used by cheating dealers)

On the record

The card punch is considered “the pinnacle of the second deal” because it allows a dealer to identify key cards without looking at them. The technique has been used by professional card mechanics for decades.

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.