How to shuffle correctly: methods and tips

The most effective way to mix a deck thoroughly is to repeat the riffle shuffle, also known as the waterfall shuffle, about seven times. If you find that difficult, the overhand shuffle, or ‘Spanish style’, also works, but needs many more repetitions.

Overhand shuffle

This is the traditional method in Spain: you hold the deck in one hand and, using the thumb of the other, you let small packets of cards drop into your palm. It is easy and keeps the cards in good condition, but it doesn't mix them very well. To achieve a good result, you need to do it many times.

Riffle shuffle

You split the deck into two, rest them on the table, and release the cards from each half so they interleave. It mixes them much more effectively. Mathematicians Bayer and Diaconis calculated that with seven shuffles, a 52-card deck becomes practically random; with a 40-card Spanish deck, slightly fewer are needed.

The wash

This involves spreading the cards face down on the table and mixing them with your hands, as if they were domino tiles. It might look less elegant, but it mixes the cards extremely well.

And then, the cut

On the table, after shuffling, the player to the left cuts the deck. It is a gesture of trust: it ensures no one can manipulate the bottom card to their advantage.

In the online version

At Lascuarenta, the computer shuffles using a random algorithm for every hand, so there is no need to worry. But at home, with your favourite deck, it is worth learning to do it right. If you want your cards to last, read also why cards have rounded corners.