How To Perform The Riffle Shuffle

A person performing the riffle shuffle card trick.

Do you want to impress your friends with a flashy card trick?
Learn how to perform the classic riffle shuffle!
This easy-to-learn technique will have you shuffling like a pro in no time.
From gathering the necessary supplies to finishing the shuffle, this article will show you the exact steps you need to take to master the riffle shuffle.
Get ready to master the art of shuffling and amaze everyone with your amazing card skills!

Gather the Necessary Supplies

Gather up any cards you need to shuffle, and make sure you have a flat surface to work on; it’ll make the process a lot easier!

You’ll also need a bit of space either side of the cards, so that you can separate them into two piles.

Get yourself comfortable, then you can start the shuffle.

Separate the Deck in Half

Take a moment to separate the deck of cards in half and feel the excitement of the shuffle to come! Hold the deck face down with both hands and bend them slightly to divide the cards. The left thumb should be on top of the deck, and the right thumb should be on the bottom. Push the cards together at the center to make them easier to split.

Push the cards with the left thumb and slide the right thumb underneath half of the deck. Lift up the right half of the deck and set it aside.

Squaring the Decks

Now it’s time to square the decks, pressing them firmly together with your thumbs to align the edges.

Squaring the decks helps ensure the cards will be perfectly aligned during the shuffle. Use your fingers to press the top and bottom edges together. Apply pressure until the cards are flush with each other. Make sure to press both halves down firmly.

Then, hold the deck in one hand while using your other hand to press down the center of the deck. This will make the cards even more aligned.

Your deck is now ready for the shuffle.

Interlacing the Cards

Gently interlace your cards as you carefully weave the two halves of the deck together. Take one half of the deck in one hand and the other half of the deck in the other. Place the two halves side by side, then slowly move one half up and the other half down. Alternate between the two halves, carefully pushing together the cards to ensure they’re interlaced.

Continue this process until the entire deck is interlaced. Once complete, the cards should form a single, unified deck.

Finishing the Riffle Shuffle

Finally, to complete the shuffle, give the deck a few final cuts to ensure the cards are fully randomized and the deck is ready for use – after all, haste makes waste.

Take the entire deck in one hand and cut it into two piles with your other hand. Start by separating the deck into two roughly equal piles, then combine them by overlapping one half of the deck onto the other. Squeeze the two piles together and lift them up, allowing the cards to intermingle. Repeat this process a few times, until the full deck is shuffled.

Finally, give the deck a few more cuts to mix the cards even further. Congratulations, you’ve just performed a proper riffle shuffle!

Video by Pamela Fox is licensed under CC-BY 3.0.

Conclusion

You’ve done it! You’ve mastered the art of the riffle shuffle.

Now you can impress your family and friends with your shuffling skills. Just remember to make sure you have the right supplies and to keep those cards tight.

Keep practicing and you’ll soon be the master of cards. Who knows, maybe you’ll even be able to take your shuffling skills to the casinos and make a fortune.