Part I: Card Game Cheating · CARD MARKING METHODS

Cut-Out Work

How it works

Cut-out work involves using a sharp instrument (razor blade, needle, or other sharp tool) to scrape off small portions of the printed back design, revealing the white card stock underneath. This creates visible marks that can be read by the cheater. Different patterns of cut-outs correspond to different card values. For example, a cheater might scrape out a small dot in a specific location to indicate an ace, or create a short line to indicate a face card.

Where it appears

Poker, Blackjack, any card game

On the record

Cut-out work is one of the earliest marking techniques, predating modern chemical marking methods. It requires physical alteration of the card and is more time-consuming than modern methods.

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.