How do casinos shuffle decks to stop card counting?

[Jonah]

Casinos use various techniques to prevent card counting by disrupting a player's ability to track the deck. They shuffle the cards frequently, sometimes after just a few hands, and may use continuous shuffle machines (CSMs) that mix the cards throughout the game, making it impossible to track which cards have been dealt. By using multiple decks (usually 6 to 8), casinos dilute the effectiveness of card counting, as tracking becomes more difficult. Additionally, hand shuffling methods like the "wash shuffle" and mid-deck shuffling confuse any attempt to monitor the deck's composition. Casinos also control deck penetration, reshuffling or cutting the deck earlier if they notice patterns that suggest card counting, effectively neutralizing the counter’s advantage.

 

[CR7]

Yes, you're absolutely correct. Casinos employ all these methods to prevent card counting effectively. By changing the order of the cards frequently and using multiple decks, they make it extremely challenging for players to keep track of the cards and gain an advantage through card counting. Continuous shuffle machines are particularly effective at thwarting card counters, as they ensure the deck is constantly being shuffled throughout the game, leaving no predictable patterns for players to exploit.

Additionally, the use of automatic shufflers and strict policies on reshuffling or cutting the deck can further deter card counting strategies. By managing factors like deck penetration and shuffling procedures, casinos are able to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure that all players have a fair chance at winning. Card counting is a practice that casinos take seriously, and they utilize a combination of sophisticated techniques to minimize its impact on their bottom line.