Overhand Shuffle Mess

RebelZero · Mar 17, 2009

I have a problem with my overhand shuffle. No matter how much I practice it, I can't seem to contain the cards. It's never a neat matter; those little sum*****es go all over the place. When my right hand comes over and drops off packets, cards get hung up and come halfway out of the deck when I withdraw. So I end up with a packet of cards in my left hand, the remaining packet in my left, and random cards sticking sideways out of both. If it's really bad they fall out of the deck altogether and flutter to the floor in a most unimpressive fashion.

What the hell am I doing wrong? This is the easiest thing in the world to do.

praetoritevong · Mar 17, 2009

Can I ask how long you've been practicing it?

From the sounds of things, one suggestion that comes to mind is to try doing it slow first. In much the same way as I'd practice a difficult piano piece slowly, go through the motions at a slower pace, and when it's smooth then, pick up the pace.

Randy · Mar 17, 2009

Rather than doing it in an up and down motion. try making a short arc motion and slowly doing that. Not only does it look better but it will help contain the cards.

tally-ho · Mar 17, 2009

card fundamentals vol. 1. aaron fisher.

Jack · Mar 17, 2009

What helps me is this:
The only fingers used on my right hand are the second and third on one short end and the thumb on the other end. Rather than a tossing motion (only downward) I give a quick "shake" motion (down and then up like you would a salt shaker). While doing this I gradually release the pressure of my right fingers holding the deck.

My left hand does not aid in drawing cards of the right packet but rather waits to recieve the packets.

I hope this helps as it was rather hard to put into words. I also agree that practicing the move slowly at first will help you guage how much pressure to use with the right hand.

Cheers!

RebelZero · Mar 17, 2009

Can I ask how long you've been practicing it?

About 3 months. I just started practicing with the suggested "arc" movement and that's helping some.

It's hard to put this into words, to describe exactly how my hands are moving. Seems like I wouldv'e hit upon a good method now just by trial and error.

I'll keep practicing and checking this for suggestions. Thanks for the replies.