Cut

The cut is a crucial step in the card-handling process, performed after shuffling but before dealing the cards. To execute a cut, the dealer splits the deck into two or more sections and then reverses the order of these sections. This additional step is designed to prevent any predetermined order from influencing the outcome of the game.

In professional poker rooms, the cut is usually performed by a player to the dealer’s right, symbolizing the fairness and transparency of the dealing process. The practice of cutting dates back to traditional card games, where it was implemented as a countermeasure against card stacking and other cheating techniques. By allowing a player to cut the deck, the dealer shows that they have no control over the final order of the cards, thereby reinforcing the integrity of the game.

In home games, it’s equally important to include the cut as part of the routine to maintain a professional atmosphere and reassure players that the cards are not being manipulated.