drneau.com

[capsicum]

At our Manzanita Poker League tournaments, we usually fill up two tables. We have different dealers each week, and different opinions on the shuffle. Some like to use the automatic shufflers, others are more comfortable with hand shuffling. My question for all is this:

When using either shuffling method, how many times should the deck be shuffled? We have players who prefer the deck to go through eight or nine times, while others are happy with two....

Any opinions, suggestions, comments?

Thanks, and have a great Saturday night!
_________________
I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees. - Bud

http://www.tastethepain.com
http://www.tastethepain.com/pokerstats.htm

[drneau]

Theoretically, if you shuffle 7 times you've defeated the purpose of shuffling.
_________________
--
Dr. Neau (not a real doctor)
http://drneau.com
http://home.comcast.net/~jneau

[unyostun]

Doc, it's 8 and that's if all 8 are perfect shuffles. Unless you're trying to shuffle perfectly in order to return the deck to it's original position 8 perfect shuffles is an almost impossible feat. However, after 7 regular shuffles there is no benifit, any more shuffles will not make the deck any more random.

http://flatrock.org.nz/topics/art_of_playing_cards/how_to_win_at_poker.htm

[5thStreetPokerParties.com]

The old standard shuffle sequence is:

1. scramble
2. table riffle shuffle
3. table riffle shuffle
4. strip shuffle (box)
5. table riffle shuffle once again
6. cut the cards and deal

If you want to speed up the game by shortening the shuffle sequence then one riffle shuffle should be eliminated. That is, the complete sequence would be:

1. scramble
2. table riffle shuffle
3. strip shuffle (box)
4. table riffle shuffle

Some cardrooms have eliminated the scramble. Many experts don't recommend this as the scramble produces the most randomness of all the techniques.

Scramble (def.) - The deck is spread out face down on the table, and the dealer slides them around using circular motions to thoroughly mix the cards.

Table Riffle Shuffle - This is a simple shuffle which you will see performed at the casinos or poker rooms. The reason this shuffle is used is because it is very effective and it is impossible (depending on the dealer) for the players to see exposed cards.
Video: http://www.pokerology.com/images/main/cards/video/tableshuffle.mpg

Strip Shuffle (Box) - This is a very nice casino type action and an ideal shuffle to combine with the riffle table shuffle. It can be quite tricky to get used to the handling, but definetly worth the effort.
Video: http://www.pokerology.com/images/main/cards/video/strip.mpg
_________________
"Play Like The Pros Play"
http://www.5thStreetPokerParties.com

[capsicum]

Thanks for the info.
_________________
I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees. - Bud

http://www.tastethepain.com
http://www.tastethepain.com/pokerstats.htm