How to Shuffle a Deck of Playing Cards

How to Shuffle a Deck of Playing Cards

Shuffling a deck of playing cards is an easy process that can add some excitement and suspense to your card games. By employing the simple steps outlined here, you will be ready for whatever card game you choose in no time!

Steps

Below are the steps to properly shuffle a deck of playing cards.

• Hold the deck of cards in one hand. With your other hand, start to spread the cards across the table.
• Take any two piles of cards and place them together.
• Repeat this process with the remaining piles of cards until all the cards are merged together.
• Gently push the merged deck together. Take a look at it and make sure that all the cards are facing the same direction.
• With the deck firmly held in one hand, use the other to take the top card and place it on the bottom of the deck. Repeat this step a few times. This is called “Hindu Shuffling”.
• Riffle the deck. Hold the deck with one hand near the top and the other hand near the bottom. Use your fingers from both hands to riffle the cards up and down. Break the deck at least three times. This is called “Riffle Shuffling.”
• Finally, do a “smooth shuffle”. Hold the deck with one hand and with the other gently lift off half of the deck. Using both hands, move the top half of the cards into the bottom half, and then move them back to the top again. Do this three to four times. This will make sure that the cards are completely mixed up.