How to Do a Table Shuffle With a Deck of Playing Cards

The table shuffle or the table riffle shuffle is one of the most well known shuffles. You'll probably see the shuffle in casinos and at your neighbor's poker game. While it takes practice to get it right, the table shuffle is one of the easiest shuffles.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Place the deck of cards in front of you with the long side facing you.

2. Cut the deck into two approximately equal parts. It doesn't have to be exactly equal. Place the cards extremely close to each other.

3. Put your hands on top of the deck. Your thumbs should be on the lower inside corners and your index finger should be on top of the deck. Press your other fingers into the short outside sides.

4. Trace your thumbs up the deck of the cards so the cards pull away from the other cards. Press down with your index finger so the cards don't go everywhere.

5. Press two separate decks into each other with your fingers as you trace your thumbs up the cards. The cards will now overlap.

6. Pick up the two slightly combined decks of cards and press them together. Continue to shuffle the cards several times so the deck is well mixed.

7. Ask someone at the table to cut the cards so no one knows what the top or the bottom card is.

Tips & Warnings

• You will need a table to do the shuffle correctly.