There are a few things you could do to protect yourself if you suspect the cards at a poker game are marked. The first is to leave the room. There is no reason to remain in a game you suspect of being rigged. You don’t owe anyone any explanation.
You can also use your best judgement. 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 look closely at cards for scratches and discoloration, as well as marks that are difficult to spot on the card’s face. You can also look for inconsistencies such as the color or shape of a card in a deck.
You can also test the deck by shining a black light at it, or using a filter. These tests can help you determine if a deck has been marked. However, the most important test is to observe how it is played.
Some card sharps mark the backs of their cards with tiny ink spots that are easy to spot, while other cheaters alter patterns on the backs of the cards. This allows them read the contents of the hands of their opponents without being noticed.
Another method of marking a deck is to use block-out work, where small white areas are added to the back design. This can be done by blocking out the flower details, for example, or by using a razor to scrape off certain white figures.
Cut-out is a subtler variant of the blocking process. This involves cutting out some printed details on the backs of cards with a razor. This can be used for hiding backs of cards with more complicated patterns, such as clock faces on some decks.
A card specially designed to be invisible to the average person is the best method to mark a deck. These cards are known by the Magic Shop as “bosswork”
There are many types of boss work you can do, so it is important to choose the right one for you. Avoid any boss work that is too formal or difficult to feel. This will make it more likely for others to notice your marks.
It’s also a good idea make sure your boss is in the right place, and that you have a clean deck. This can be difficult, but it’s worth it for the extra security and peace of mind that it provides.