Poker Edge Sorting
20 Mar
There must be barely anybody in the poker community that isn’t familiar with the Phil Ivey edge sorting scandal.
Edge sorting is an advantage play technique used primarily in baccarat, a rather simple casino game that seems to be the favorite of many high rollers in Las Vegas, AC, and around the globe. He and a colleague were found to have used a technique known as 'edge sorting' to gain an unfair advantage while gambling at the Crockfords casino in London's posh Mayfair district. The “edge-sorting” technique that Ivey employed is as complicated as it is esoteric. Practitioners can identify facedown cards by picking out subtle differences in the patterns on their backs.
- Phil Ivey brought edge sorting to the public eye. Edge sorting hit the headlines after poker legend Phil Ivey was accused of cheating when he used the technique at Crockford’s Casino in London and at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City.
- Phil Ivey at the first edition of the Triton Poker Series. And indeed, though edge-sorting in baccarat, just as card-counting in Blackjack, is not technically cheating, it was enough for Britain’s oldest casino, the Crockford in London, to withhold payouts “due to a breach of contract”.
The all-time poker great took casinos around the world for tens of millions of dollars and then landed in hot water as he was dragged through the legal system in more than one country.
The net result was that the court took an unfavourable view and ordered Ivey to pay back his ill-gotten gains.
The scandal caused so many ripples throughout the gambling world that now a movie has been announced to tell the story.
But just who are the most suitable actors to play the role of one of the greatest card players of all-time? Here are our choices.
Idris Elba
The slick British actor Idris ELba has had a successful career on boths sides of the Atlantic. Starring in The Wire and Brit cop show Luther, his image is perfect for a man used to high society.
Elba is also being tipped as the next James Bond, which tells you just how highly he is thought of in the acting world.
Don Cheadle
Don Cheadle is a Hollywood star with multiple Golden Globe awards. While more than a decade older than Ivey, he is a keen poker player as well as being amongst the best in his craft.
He even appeared on the much loved Poker After Dark 11 years ago, but currently has no live tournament cashes to his name.
Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan is a rising star in the acting world. Starting his career in the legendary Sopranos, he has gone on to win numerous awards and appeared in the recent blockbuster Black Panther.
Ten years younger than Ivey, he exudes confidence on-screen and doesn’t look so dissimilar. A perfect choice, and no doubt one that Ivey would be happy with.
Anthony Mackie
Anthony Mackie is another great choice to play Phil Ivey. Almost identical age and another superstar riding the crest of a wave in his acting career.
He rose to stardom 11 years ago in the war thriller Hurt Locker. Playing Sergeant J. T. Sanborn, Mackie was nominated for multiple awards for his performance and took his career to another level.
Blackjack Edge Sorting
The only thing likely to prevent him from taking on a role such as this is that he looks to be plain too busy with blockbuster after blockbuster.
Donald Glover
Poker Edge Sorting
Donald Glover is the most versatile of our suggestions. Acting, comedy, writing, and even music.
He doesn’t have the most extensive filmography but has appeared in Spider-Man and Stars Wars movies, showing that he is more than capable of the job.
Glover would be our outside bet to land the role.