How to Bridge Playing Cards When Shuffling

The bridge shuffle is considered a common household card trick. It can be done before playing almost any card game. With some practice the bridge shuffle can be an easy trick to master...soon to be performed with the eyes closed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Hold the deck of cards in the left hand. Position the thumb on the short side of the deck. Place the ring and middle fingers on the right short side. Stabilize the cards with the pinky on the short end corner and your index fingernail on the center of the top card.

2. Release half the cards from under the left thumb onto the right middle and ring fingers. Catch the remaining released cards.

3. Separate the two halves keeping fingers in the same positions. Bring both thumbs together within about an inch of each other as you maintain the original position in Step 1.

4. Bend the two half decks upwards from the thumbs while applying pressure to the top center of the cards. Quickly release the cards from the thumbs one by one so that both halves fall in an overlapping pile.

5. Shift the positioning of both thumbs onto the ridge where the overlapping decks meet. Move the index fingers to join the middle and ring fingers.

6. Lift the pile from the surface keeping fingers in the same position. Slide the index, middle and ring fingers towards the bottom center of the overlapping decks.

7. Push the cards upwards from the base of the fingers while applying just enough downward pressure from the thumbs to keep the cards together. Lower both wrists to form an arch.

8. Let off the pressure from the base of the fingers to allow the arch to fall. Consolidate the two decks at the same time by pressing in from the base of the fingers on each hand.