Overhand Shuffle

"Learn to master the overhand shuffle."

Master the Overhand Shuffle

The overhand shuffle is a common method to mix cards. It can also be used to do some neat magic tricks.

Let's learn how to do it properly.

overhand shuffle

Holding the pack as shown in the illustration, seize the lower half with the right hand between the top phalanx of the thumb, at the middle of the inner end, and the top phalanges of the middle and ring fingers at the middle of the outer end. Bend the index finger lightly on the upper side of the deck, letting the little finger remain free.

Lift this lower packet upwards to clear the other portion of the pack, then bring it downwards over the other cards until its lower side touches the left palm. Press the left thumb against the top card of this packet and simultaneously lift the right hand so that the card, or cards, pulled off by the left thumb fall on top of the packet retained in the left hand.

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Repeat this action until all the cards held by the right hand have been shuffled off onto those held by the left hand. Pat the upper side of the deck with the outstretched fingers of the right hand to square the cards. Since the overhand shuffle is generally repeated, this action is absolutely essential to a clean execution.

In making this shuffle do not look at your hands and the cards. Practice this from the outset and so form the habit, which is an essential factor in the maneuvers which follow and are done under cover of the action of this shuffle.

The speed at which the shuffle is executed should be about the same as that used by any card player, neither too fast nor too slow, and the tempo should be even throughout.

*Overhand Shuffle instructions have been selected, adapted, and modernized from The Royal Road to Card Magic.