A fresh pack of cards has rough edges and may be too slippery for your flourishes or sleight-of-hand. Hence, there is a need to condition the cards first to optimize its performance. Here’s an easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. Make sure to properly wash and dry your hands first!
- Smoothen the edges This can achieved by rubbing each sides against your pants or shorts, Jeans is most preferred. About 5 seconds on each side. Do on all four sides. Do not exert too much force nor too fast. Everything should be in moderation.
- Riffle shuffle Do twice face down, twice face up.
- Thumb Fan Fan the cards twice face down, twice face up. A pressure fan is preferred.
- LePaul Spread Do twice face down, twice face up.
- Card Spring Spring the cards twice face down, twice face up.
- Faro Shuffle Do twice face down, twice face up. Depending on how the deck was cut, it may not be easy to faro on one of the sides. Never use force to push the cards in.
- Repeat steps 2 to 5 again.
For each move, you can learn it on YouTube. How do I know when a deck is ‘broken in’? This varies with different decks. Usually, the deck gets softer and smoother, and is much easier to manipulate. Have fun:)
*Thanks to Lee Asher, Kevin Ho, Jaspas Deck and Ben Loo in helping of this article.
