Shuffling Basics for a Deck of Cards

Series Summary

Card shuffling is a method of randomizing a deck of playing cards. This is done to ensure that the card order is more difficult to predict, adding an element of chance to the game. There are several different methods of shuffling cards for various skill levels, from a simple wash to complex riffles which often look like magic tricks. Most professional card dealers can shuffle with extreme speed and artistry, however many casinos now employ shuffling machines which are controlled by computer generated algorithms to prevent any chance of biased shuffling or dealer-gambler collaboration.

In this series of free video clips you’ll learn several ways to shuffle a deck of cards. Expert Peter Perata demonstrates the basic riffle, side riffle, the Hindu shuffle, overhand shuffle, weave shuffle, various ways to cut the cards and more. He also offers tips on developing hand strength that will help you shuffle like a professional casino dealer.

Video Transcript

"Hi I'm Pete and welcome to Expert Village today we are going to be learning a little bit about shuffling. We are going to be talking about why people shuffle cards, different shuffles that they use and how you could shuffle your very own deck. We will be learning a variety of different shuffles, from the Hindu shuffle, to the corner shuffle, I would even teach you a couple of cuts at the very end. So grab your pack, load up and let's shuffle. Now when you get a deck of cards or when you buy a deck of cards - and by the way if you are out there buying cards I do recommend Bicycle cards - these are really standard cards you'll find them at any super market or gas station store but, even if you don't get Bicycle there is variety of different packs of cards out there that you could buy. Let's talk a little bit about randomization. You want to make sure that when you shuffle cards that you have your random selection of cards at the end of your shuffle. This way people if you are gambling for instance, people aren't going to get the same kind of hands time after time after time. This increases the odds of gambling. When you are doing magic tricks for instance you also want to make sure you have random shuffles for varies reasons. A good solid true shuffle will properly would randomize the cards."