If you have watched a game of blackjack in a casino or online, you may have noticed that the cards are shuffled at different points. It is a normal part of the game, yet many players are unsure why it happens or how often.
Whether you are just curious, visiting a casino, or playing online, understanding when shuffling takes place may help you follow the rhythm of play.
In the sections below, we’ll discuss how often dealers shuffle, how many decks are used, what the cut card does, and how online shuffling compares. Read on to learn more.
Do Blackjack Dealers Shuffle the Deck After Every Hand?
In most UK casinos, dealers do not shuffle the cards after every hand. Doing so would slow the game and is not standard practice. Instead, casinos use several decks at once in a holder known as a shoe, usually with four, six, or eight decks combined.
A plain plastic insert called a cut card is positioned near the back of the shoe. When this card comes up during play, it signals that the end of the shoe is close. The dealer then gathers the cards and performs a shuffle before dealing from a fresh shoe. This approach keeps the game moving while maintaining a clear structure for when shuffles happen.
If you do decide to try your hand at blackjack, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Many Decks Are Used in Blackjack Games?
Across the UK, many tables use six or eight decks in a shoe. Single or double deck games exist, though they are less common in busy venues. Online blackjack often mirrors this, but you will also find digital tables that use fewer decks.
The number of decks affects how long a shoe lasts before a shuffle. More decks mean more cards to work through, so shuffles happen less frequently and the pace feels steadier. For example, an eight deck shoe contains 416 cards. Because a portion of the shoe is held back behind the cut card, a typical game deals a good number of hands before the next shuffle.
If you are playing online, the game description or paytable usually states how many decks are used.
What Is the Cut Card and How Does It Affect Shuffling?
The cut card is a brightly coloured plastic card placed partway from the back of the combined decks. It creates a clear point where the current shoe will stop. When it appears during dealing, the dealer finishes the round, collects all used cards, shuffles, and sets up the next shoe.
By choosing where to place the cut card, casinos control how many cards are dealt before a shuffle. This keeps the process predictable, organised, and easy to follow for everyone at the table. Live casinos and live dealer streams use cut cards in this way. Fully digital blackjack does not need a physical marker, as the software handles shuffles automatically according to the game’s rules.
How Does Continuous Shuffling Work?
With continuous shuffling, a device called a Continuous Shuffling Machine (CSM) mixes cards in real time. After each hand, used cards are fed back into the machine, which blends them with the remaining cards. New hands are then dealt from this constantly refreshed set.
Because the cards are being recombined throughout play, there is no pause for a traditional shuffle and no cut card to signal the end of a shoe. The result is a steady pace with fewer breaks. You can usually find whether a table uses a CSM in its rules or information panel.
Is Shuffling Different in Online Blackjack?
In digital blackjack, there is no physical shuffle. Instead, the order of virtual cards is created by a Random Number Generator (RNG). This technology produces an unpredictable sequence, so the deck is effectively shuffled whenever the game specifies. Some versions simulate a fresh shuffle every hand, while others follow set intervals.
Live dealer blackjack online is different. A real dealer draws from a multi deck shoe and shuffles at defined points, just as you would see in a land based casino. Either way, the game information panel explains the shuffling method used, so the process is clear before you join a table.
What Happens If the Deck Isn’t Shuffled Properly?
If cards are not mixed thoroughly, predictable patterns can appear, which is not acceptable in regulated casinos. To prevent this, dealers are trained to use robust shuffle procedures, and many venues rely on automatic shuffling machines to remove human error.
If an issue is spotted, the table will usually be paused while staff investigate. A round may be declared void, the cards will be reshuffled, and play will resume only when the situation is resolved.
In online games that use an RNG, the software is tested and audited to make sure the shuffle behaviour meets recognised standards. If you have concerns at any point, you can speak to the pit team in a casino or contact customer support online for help.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.