23/08/2010, Definitions

Shuffling is a mechanism used to randomize a deck of cards in order to provide the element of chance. The shuffle is usually followed by a cut, to ensure players that the shuffler hasn't manipulated the deck of cards.

There are several ways to shuffle a deck of cards for a better randomization or suited for special situations. Some of the most popular techniques are: the Overhand Shuffle, the Riffle Shuffle, the Hindu Shuffle, the Weave Shuffle and the Pile Shuffle.

The Overhand Shuffle
The Overhand Shuffle is one of the most common methods to shuffle the deck of playing cards. This procedure is also called “the stripping”, or “the slide shuffle”. Small groups of cards are removed from the top of the deck to the opposite site. The Overhand Shuffle is a very common shuffle especially amongst occasional players.

The Riffle Shuffle
The Riffle, or the Dovetail Shuffle is the second common shuffling technique that professional players use. The deck must be placed face down on the table and divided into two halves. The shuffler holds each half of deck in each hand, with the thumbs inward and releases the cards by the thumbs so that they fall to the table inter-twined. The Table Riffle Shuffle is often used in casinos because it minimizes the risk of exposing the cards during the shuffle.

The Hindu Shuffle
The Hindu Shuffle is also known as “Kattar” or “Kenchi”. The shuffler places the deck of cards face down, with the middle finger on one long edge and one thumb of the other on the bottom half of the deck. With the other hand, the shuffler draws off a packet from the top of the deck, then he drops this packet into the palm. The maneuver will be repeated until the deck is all in the second hand. The Hindu Shuffle is the most common shuffling technique in Asia.

The Weave Shuffle
The weave shuffle is a very simple shuffle to perform, especially for those to master the riffle shuffle. The shuffler holds the cards by the short end with his right hand and releases small groupings of cards from the top of the deck horizontally into the palm of his left hand. He weaves the cards in both cards by the edges, pushes the cards together, bend them with the palm of the left hand, and then releases the pressure so that the cards interweave.

The Pile Shuffle
The shuffler splits the deck into several piles. Then, he places the piles one on top of the other, ensuring that the cards that were next to each other are now completely separated. However, the Pile Shuffle does not ensure the perfect card randomization, so it is not very used land-based casinos and poker rooms.