How to Shuffle MTG Cards Properly Without Damaging Them

Shuffling seems simple, but doing it wrong can bend cards or produce non-random results. Here's how to shuffle properly.

Mash Shuffle (Recommended)

The safest and most effective method: 1. Hold the deck in one hand, split roughly in half 2. Push one half into the other at an angle 3. Let the cards interleave naturally 4. Repeat 7-10 times for true randomization

This is safe for sleeved cards and produces good randomization.

Riffle Shuffle

The classic card shuffle. Works but risks bending unsleeved cards: 1. Split the deck in half 2. Hold each half, thumbs on the short edge 3. Let cards fall from each half alternately 4. Push the halves together

Only do this with sleeved cards. Unsleeved cards will develop bends over time.

Pile Shuffle

Dealing cards into piles (usually 5-8). This is NOT randomization — it just rearranges cards in a predictable pattern. Use it once at the start to count your deck (confirm 100 cards), then follow with 7+ mash shuffles.

How Many Shuffles?

Mathematically, 7 riffle/mash shuffles produces sufficient randomization for a 100-card deck. More is fine, fewer is not truly random.

Protecting Your Cards

• - Always sleeve your cards before shuffling. Sleeves prevent edge wear, surface scratches, and bending.
• - Don't bridge shuffle (the waterfall/cascade move). It bends cards.
• - Replace worn sleeves. Sticky sleeves clump and produce non-random shuffles.
• - Use inner sleeves for expensive cards. Double-sleeving adds protection.

For Proxy Cards

Our proxy cards are printed on quality cardstock but aren't as durable as official cards. Sleeve them before shuffling. Mash shuffling in sleeves works perfectly.