Shuffle

A deck of playing cards is randomized by a procedure called shuffling to provide an element of chance in card games.

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Shuffling is often followed by a cut, to ensure that the shuffler has not manipulated the outcome.

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Several techniques are used to shuffle a deck of cards. While some techniques achieve a better randomization than other techniques, other techniques are easier to learn and easier to handle or better suited for special situations.

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Riffle

The most common shuffling technique is called a riffle, in which half of the deck is held in each hand with the thumbs inward, then cards are released by the thumbs so that they fall to the table intertwined. Many also lift the cards up after a riffle forming what is called a bridge which puts the cards back into place (and, many times, is just used to show off).

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This can also be done by placing the halves flat on the table with their rear corners touching, then lifting the back edges with the thumbs while pushing the halves together. While this method is a bit more difficult, it is often used in casinos because it minimizes the risk of exposing cards during the shuffle.

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Stripping

Another procedure is called stripping, where small groups of cards are removed from the top or bottom of a deck and replaced on the opposite side (or just assembled on the table in reverse order). This is a much less effective randomizing procedure, and is thus mainly used in conjuction with riffling, or by younger players whose hands are not large enough for other methods.

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Pushing

"Pushing" is the procedure of pushing the ends of two halves of a deck against each other in such a way that they naturally intertwine. Sometimes the deck is split into equal halves of 26 cards which are then pushed together in a certain way so as to make them perfectly interweave. This is known as a Faro Shuffle and is quite difficult to master.

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Pile shuffle

The pile shuffle is not a randomization technique, but a method to dissolve clumps of sticky cards. Cards are arranged in piles by putting the top card from the deck in turn on one of several piles. Then the piles are stacked on top of each other. This ensures that cards that were next to each other are now separated.

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Beginner shuffle

This involves simply spreading the cards out face down, and sliding them around and over each other with one's inexperienced hands. Then the cards are moved into one pile so that they begin to intertwine and are then arranged back into a stack. This method is useful for beginners and small children or if one is inept at shuffling cards. However, the beginner shuffle requires a large surface for spreading out the cards and takes longer than the other methods.

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Playing card: A playing card is a typically hand-sized rectangular (in India, round) piece of heavy paper or thin plastic used for playing card games. A complete set of cards is a pack or deck. Playing cards are often used as props in magic tricks, as well as occult practices such as cartomancy, and a number of c...

Randomized: redirect Randomness...

Shuffle related Images and Photos (experimental)

Monopoly Deal Shuffle Shaker Game

Goonies-Truffle Shuffle

The Goonies Truffle Shuffle T-Shirt