Submitted by Ok_Elk_4333 t3_zyn1ex in explainlikeimfive
Ok_Elk_4333 OP t1_j26s8dt wrote
Reply to comment by theBarneyBus in Eli5 - probability by Ok_Elk_4333
Right. So these “interesting facts” you see online that claim that when you shuffle a deck of cards it’s never been like that before - are bullshit
AHumbleLibertarian t1_j26tdzb wrote
Well, yes and no. You're definition of shuffle is much different than their definition of shuffle. You're thinking a shuffle could mean a small reorganization of some cards from a given starting point. A true shuffle will implement pseudo random number generation algorithm to sort a deck of cards. This is done by casinos. Otherwise a deck of cards that isn't reorganized between games of play and has seen substantial play would likely achieve similar results.
Kasmoc t1_j26x3lg wrote
No really, more often than not, the same deck is used many times, most homes have a deck or two they use until they can’t, so after a single game, just putting the deck back together would possibly make it novel, then shuffling on top of that. The chance of shuffling a deck which has existed before, is less likely.
theBarneyBus t1_j26syd6 wrote
I wouldn’t say BS. Just maybe a little misleading.
- This one specifies “randomly”
- This one says “completely at random”
- This specific the shuffles as “random”
- And this one is really clear, saying that “Card games tend to order decks in common ways, so you need to shuffle really well (about seven times using the "riffle" method) before you’re holding any deck which is truly one-of-a-kind. ”
Pickledprickler t1_j270oub wrote
If you shuffle it like how you would with eg. a bridge, then yeah it isn't truly random. But if you were to do something more random--say, you throw them in a wind tunnel and pick them up off the floor--then it will be random, and this will likely be a permutation that no one has seem before.
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