Shuffling a deck of cards is usually the first thing to do in any type of card game. There are many different ways to shuffle the cards, from the simple one from hand to hand (Overhand Shuffle), to the more advanced ones such as the Indian method (Hindu Shuffle) or the American one to puff (Riffle Shuffle). If you want to learn how to shuffle cards just like a pro, just follow these simple steps.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Overhand Shuffle - from Hand to Hand
Step 1. In your dominant hand, hold the deck horizontally
Place your little finger, ring finger, and middle finger on the sides of the cards opposite you, and your thumb on the one closest to you. Rest your index finger on top of the deck.
Step 2. Place the bottom side of the deck on the palm of the other hand
Make sure all the cards are lined up with each other.
Step 3. Raise about half of the deck on the back side and at the same time place your thumb on the face of the remaining deck
The thumb should push it lightly, but ready to pull away leaving it free.
Step 4. Drop a small portion of the deck you raised in front of the rest
You have to move your thumb as you drop the cards into the palm, and then this should come back to push the cards up to line up with the others. Pick up the rest of the initially raised deck and drop one part of it again in front of the rest of the deck in the other hand, moving your thumb again. Lower it again to accompany this portion of cards to the rest of the deck as well. Repeat this process until you have shuffled all the raised cards in the dominant hand.
Remember to shuffle the cards with a light touch. If you grab them too tightly with your hand, it will be difficult to slide them into the palm of the other
Step 5. Repeat this process a few times
Keep shuffling the cards until you have shuffled the deck at least five or six times. As you become familiar with this method, you will be able to do it faster.
Method 2 of 3: Hindu Shuffle - Indian Method
Step 1. Hold the end of the deck with your thumb and middle finger
Put your thumb and middle finger on opposite sides, the long ones. For added support, you can gently place your index finger on the deck.
Step 2. Place the deck on top of the palm of the other hand
Use your free hand to gently grasp the deck with your thumb on one side and your middle and ring fingers on the other. The index should stay forward.
Step 3. Gently take a few cards from the top of the deck with your lower hand
Use it to grab several cards - about ten - and drop them into your palm.
Step 4. Move the deck to the upper hand from the lower hand
Move it right along the length of the deck leaving the small pile of cards free in the palm of the high hand.
Step 5. Repeat the shuffle until all cards are in the palm of the lower hand
Move the deck to the palm of your lower hand, take some cards, move the deck, and bring it back. Continue this process until all the cards in the deck are in the palm of your lower hand. You can also take the deck and repeat the shuffle several times to better mix the cards.
Method 3 of 3: Riffle Shuffle - American Method
Step 1. Divide the deck in two
Hold half the deck by the long side in the right hand, and the other half in the left.
Step 2. Grasp both halves well
Each hand must perform the same positions. To grab each deck half, place your thumb on the top side and use your middle and ring fingers to support the bottom side. Put your little finger on the back side of the deck. The index finger can be placed on the front side or you can leave it raised.
Step 3. Gently fold the halves of the deck
Use your thumbs, index fingers, and hands to slightly bend both halves of the deck into concave shape, with the center of each half arching inward.
Step 4. Browse the deck with your thumbs
Fold the decks back a little more and use your thumbs to slowly slide the cards. The cards in the two decks should flip through together, creating a shuffled deck.
Step 5. Make the final waterfall or bridge
Fold the cards towards you, in the opposite direction from the previous one. Keep your thumbs on top to keep the cards aligned. Then loosen your thumbs and the cards should "cascade" down.
Step 6. Repeat the Riffle Shuffle (optional)
If you want to shuffle the deck more thoroughly, just repeat all the steps.
