The Mathematics of Baccarat Edge Sorting

Abstract Edge sorting is a form of advantage play that involves a pre-deal sorting of cards based on imperfections or markings on the backs of playing cards. When successfully executed, the edge sorting advantage play in baccarat allows player to know, prior to making bets, whether each of the first four cards to be played will be “big” or “small” cards. With this knowledge, the player can then make the appropriate bet that will maximize expected return and in so doing enjoy a significant advantage. The definition of big and small cards can vary; the particular big-small classification scheme employed will determine the exact advantage obtained. The purpose of this paper is to identify the player’s optimal big-small classification and associated advantage for the following four situations: (1) big-small knowledge of the first four cards when using only the main bets—Player, Banker, and Tie; (2) big-small knowledge of the first four cards when Player and Banker Pair bets are also available; (3) big-small knowledge of the first card only when using only the main bets; and (4) big-small knowledge of the first card only when Player and Banker Pair bets are also available.