shift the cut

English

Verb

shift the cut (third-person singular simple present shifts the cut, present participle shifting the cut, simple past and past participle shifted the cut)

1. To surreptitiously restore a deck of cards to their original sequence after having cut the deck.
   • 1902, S. W. Erdnase, Artifice, Ruse and Subterfuge at the Card Table: A Treatise on the Science and Art of Manipulating Cards:

     In the average game where the players keep their hands, and arms also, on the table there is little opportunity to shift the cut.

   • 1949, John Scarne, Scarne on Cards:

     The cards are slightly crimped, just enough to indicate to the cheater's sensitive fingers exactly where to shift the cut. This move cannot be made without a cover.