Verifiable Random Shuffling

In Texas Hold'em poker forums, concerns about biased dealing or rigged outcomes are frequent topics of discussion. Players rightly demand transparency and fairness, especially when it comes to the shuffling process.

Many platforms assert fairness through blockchain, but we understand that unless players can independently verify it, skepticism remains. Our commitment revolves around two key principles:

1. Purely Random Shuffling

2. Verifiability

We adhere to these principles, enabling users to confirm the integrity of our dealings independently.

1. How to ensure purely random shuffling?

Understanding the essence of randomness involves distinguishing between two key concepts:

• True Random Number Generator (TRNG)

• Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG)

In computer programming, most random functions rely on PRNG, generating random results from a deterministic algorithm and a seed. However, for applications like cryptocurrencies, quantum mechanics, or large-scale lotteries, relying on PRNG falls short. Achieving true randomness in shuffling demands a dependable random generator service. The search for a trustworthy random generator service is pivotal in our pursuit of genuine randomness. In our pursuit of pure random shuffling, we prioritize metrics such as availability, unpredictability, and verifiability when evaluating public random generators. Our comprehensive assessment leads us to choose the most reliable random generator.

One notable example is the Global Entropy Alliance, a collaboration involving organizations like Cloudflare, UChile, Kudelski Security, Protocol Labs, and more. Within this alliance, Cloudflare's LavaRand stands out. LavaRand sources entropy from the unpredictable flow of "lava" in the LavaWall at Cloudflare's San Francisco headquarters. Captured by a camera, this flow serves as input to generate random values through a Cryptographically Secure Pseudo-Random Number Generator (CSPRNG).

1. Shuffling Verification Process

This diagram outlines the key steps in achieving verifiability during the card shuffling process:

Step 1: Invoke a third-party random generator to shuffle the cards before dealing.

Step 2: Compute the hash of the shuffled card sequence, securely record it on the blockchain, and simultaneously provide it to users for advance record, preemptively discouraging tampering.

Step 3: Allow Small Blind Position to actively cut the deck, adding an extra layer of prevention against platform manipulation.

Step 4: Disclose the card sequence data after each hand.

Step 5: The platform facilitates the display of the game and hash verification process, enabling users to independently verify the integrity of the game.

Before each round, the Small Blind position is designated for card cutting. Players can also choose the number of cards to cut, or follow a predetermined number set by the player. This practice significantly reduces the potential for platform manipulation.

While AK Poker employs verifiable random shuffling, the involvement of processes like hashing functions and blockchain queries might present some complexity for independent user verification.

To address this, the platform directly guides users in reconstructing the verification process within the app, with specific details available in the app. Users can also opt for independent verification.

We adhere to these principles, enabling users to confirm the integrity of our dealings independently.

In conclusion, our commitment is to furnish players with a poker platform that ensures fairness at its core.