How to get persistent overhand shufflers to riffle shuffle? (1 Viewer)

[Wils]

I have a couple of regs who are much valued players, but they don't want to riffle shuffle. What's the best (and friendliest) way of getting them to change their ways without coming across as being heavy handed or pedantic?

I've run some tests and randomness-wise, riffle shuffling is a clear winner. And deck manipulation is far easier with overhand shuffles (though I've never had reason to believe anyone is doing that). So that should be enough, but I don't think it will be. Have you had a similar situation and how did you approach it? There are no medical reasons (arthritis etc) why they can't riffle shuffle if they choose to.

 

[JackDeRke]

I have had a fair share of long discussions about game integrity and how people should be aware. Even showing some people how this could be dangerous by presenting it in person. (Poorly ofcourse, but it left some imprint).

Long story short. I bought a Shuffletech and have not looked back since.
having the same (skilled) person shuffle and people just cutting was also at some point a discussion. Though it is annoying for the people capable of shuffling.

 

[TheJestyr]

I have a couple friends who have a hard time shuffling because of arthritis/dry finger tips/just really clumsy. I offer to shuffle for them because I know it’s mostly a “me” problem. Some guys I play with don’t care about cut cards either. But upon reflection, I realize the only person who is really stressing out and anxious about these faux pas is me. So I either need to offer solutions that are easy for the culprit, or just get over myself and have fun.

At the end of the day, overhand shuffles are better than nothing, especially if they can at least blend the cards into each other while shuffling (see image). Believe me, I know it potentially flashes cards, but if they’re trying to face the cards away from the table, it’s can actually be a decent shuffle.

But ultimately my three suggestions are:

1) teach them how to overhand shuffle that still acts like a riffle shuffle (as in the attached image)

2) shuffle for them

3) buy a shuffler (I LOVE my shufflers! They’re fast and protect the integrity of the game…I will almost always advocate for shufflers!)

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Mmmmm this isn't an easy one. If its a low stakes casual game I'm not gonna care, do you think the randomness is affected enough that it can be abused? If you institute a wash every while you should be fine. Pick and choose your battles, I've recently made sure my apes raise to legal amounts, this is out of their wheelhouse.

Another option is dedicated player dealer, so others shuffle, hand it back to you. You give it a single riffle and then cut and deal. Yes, slows the game down a bit but it either institutes more randomness, or if they object it gives you an opening to say "this is more random, do it this way." I lean towards not tapping the tank and just letting this go, but I'd approach it this way if I wanted to.

@TheJestyr that randomizes fine for magic but I think it just shows too many card placements, eh? Someone next to him knows the rough placement of at least 2 cards but probably more.

 

[TheJestyr]

Mmmmm this isn't an easy one. If its a low stakes casual game I'm not gonna care, do you think the randomness is affected enough that it can be abused? If you institute a wash every while you should be fine. Pick and choose your battles, I've recently made sure my apes raise to legal amounts, this is out of their wheelhouse.

Another option is dedicated player dealer, so others shuffle, hand it back to you. You give it a single riffle and then cut and deal. Yes, slows the game down a bit but it either institutes more randomness, or if they object it gives you an opening to say "this is more random, do it this way." I lean towards not tapping the tank and just letting this go, but I'd approach it this way if I wanted to.

@TheJestyr that randomizes fine for magic but I think it just shows too many card placements, eh? Someone next to him knows the rough placement of at least 2 cards but probably more.

If you turn your body a little away from the table and shuffle with the faces away from everyone else, it’s fairly secure.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not ideal, but it’s a baby step towards getting the player to shuffle better than just a few piles of cards haphazardly thrown over one another.

The wash isn’t a bad idea, but picking the cards up could be just as revealing if done improperly.

lol @ getting your guys to raise legal amounts haha…

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

If you turn your body a little away from the table and shuffle with the faces away from everyone else, it’s fairly secure.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not ideal, but it’s a baby step towards getting the player to shuffle better than just a few piles of cards haphazardly thrown over one another.

The wash isn’t a bad idea, but picking the cards up could be just as revealing if done improperly.

lol @ getting your guys to raise legal amounts haha…

Very fair with the pickup, I do it wrong most times.

Its bananas over here. Hosting baby stakes dealers choice tomorrow night, fully expecting at least one ape to forget they have to give me 2 cards if they want to draw 2 more.

 

[merkong]

Dedicated dealer or at least dedicated shufflers.

 

[merkong]

Another option is dedicated player dealer, so others shuffle, hand it back to you. You give it a single riffle and then cut and deal. Yes, slows the game down a bit

This. And it will not slow the game down especially with two decks.

 

[allforcharity]

Wash is not useful unless done 1-2 full minutes. It does not take a lot of time to learn a little corner riffle, and doesn't require an athletic amount of manual dexterity.

 

[Nymor]

If people who can't riffle just give it a try when no one's watching they'll realise it really is very easy. Just relax and you'll have it sussed in minutes.

 

[detroitdad]

 

[sup_squidy]

Turns out I care most so now I just host and deal at the same time and if I need to get up for a drink or other host duties I hand the deck off to however I designate as the trusted "assistant assistant to the manager" and say hey what he says while I'm gone goes don't argue I'll be right back shuffle and deal these.
Too tired of correcting peoples shuffles and seeing flashed bottom cards and saying re-deal. We get so much more hands in a night.