What is Cut the Deck?
Cut the Deck
To divide the deck into two portions after
shuffling, placing the bottom portion on top. This is done by the player to the dealer's right
before cards are dealt.
How to Cut
- Dealer shuffles and places deck face-down on table
- Player to dealer's right lifts off a portion (the "cut")
- That portion is placed next to the remaining cards
- Dealer places the bottom portion on top
- Dealing begins from the reassembled deck
The Cut
If the deck is [A-B-C-D] (top to bottom) and you cut after B: you now have [C-D] and [A-B]. Place [C-D] on [A-B] = new order is [C-D-A-B].
Why We Cut
- Prevent cheating: Dealer can't stack cards on top if someone else rearranges them
- Trust: Allows another player to verify fair dealing
- Tradition: Dating back centuries as standard card game etiquette
- Randomness: Adds another layer of unpredictability
Cutting Rules
| Rule | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cut toward the dealer | Traditional etiquette |
| Minimum cut (usually 5 cards) | Prevents token cuts |
| One hand only | Professional standard |
| May decline to cut | If you trust the shuffle |
Cutting in Digital Games
At OnlineCardGames.io, the cut happens automatically as part of our cryptographically secure shuffling algorithm. The traditional cut ritual isn't needed when a computer handles randomization, but we simulate proper shuffling for authenticity.
Related Phrases
- "Cut for deal": Each player draws a card; highest (or lowest) deals first
- "Cut them thin to win": Superstition about cutting a small portion
- "Cut me in": Request to join a game (unrelated to deck cutting)