subs. phr. (card-sharpers’). Cards prepared for cheating. All from the eight to the king are cut CONVEX, and all from the deuce to the seven CONCAVE; so that by cutting the pack broadwise you cut CONVEX, and by cutting them lengthwise you cut CONCAVE. Sometimes they are shaped the reverse way, so that, if suspicion arise, a pack so treated may be substituted for the other to the same effect. In this trick the sharper has less in his favour than in others, because the intended victim may cut in the usual way, and so cut a low card to the dealer. But the certainty of being able to cut or deal a high or low card at pleasure, gives him an advantage against which skill is of none avail. Other modes of sharping are by means of REFLECTORS (q.v.); LONGS AND SHORTS (q.v.); PRICKED CARDS (q.v.); THE BRIDGE (q.v.); SKINNING (q.v.); WEAVING (q.v.); THE GRADUS or STEP (q.v.); PALMING (q.v.); and THE TELEGRAPH (q.v.). A French term for prepared cards is les aiguilles à tricoter les côtes (Anglicé = old gentlemen, q.v.); also une cartouchière à portées (a pack of prepared cards); and les harnais = STOCKED BROADS (q.v.).—See also STOCK BROADS.
