Automatic shuffler for home game – worth it if you use bridge cards? (2 Viewers)

[David251999]

I watch and read a ton on here about home game setups, and lately I’ve been really tempted to pull the trigger on an automatic shuffler.

I can’t really justify going straight to something like a DeckMate as my first one. I love the idea of having a shuffler, but I don’t know if I’d actually get enough value out of a multi-thousand dollar machine right out of the gate.

So naturally I’ve been looking at something like a Shuffle Tech. Seems like the best “entry point” into automatic shufflers without going full casino-level.

My only hang-up is this I love my bridge sized cards. That’s what I run in my games and I’ve got a ton of setups. But I’ve read quite a few threads saying bridge cards tend to jam more or just don’t run as smoothly in these machines. From what I’ve seen, even people who make it work still deal with more issues compared to poker size .

So my question is:

• Has anyone successfully modified a Shuffle Tech (or similar) to run bridge cards reliably?
• Are there any known tweaks, adjustments, or card brand recommendations that make bridge work better?
• Or is this just one of those “you’re stuck using poker size if you want a shuffle tech” situations?

I’m trying to decide if I should adapt my setup… or just accept that a shuffle tech and bridge cards don’t really mix.

Appreciate any real-world experience

 

[Vinyard]

What a great question. I purchased the first version of Shuffle Tech, to think back I did use poker size. I sold the unit before I change to DeckMate and only use bridge size now. Easier to deal

To answer your question, shuffler is a must have, of course it’s a luxury than a need. Who cares! I want it. There I say!

I know there are PCF member will provide you some insigh.

Good luck!

By the way, sooner Or later you will buy a DeckMate…

 

[Old State]

I watch and read a ton on here about home game setups, and lately I’ve been really tempted to pull the trigger on an automatic shuffler.

I can’t really justify going straight to something like a DeckMate as my first one. I love the idea of having a shuffler, but I don’t know if I’d actually get enough value out of a multi-thousand dollar machine right out of the gate.

So naturally I’ve been looking at something like a Shuffle Tech. Seems like the best “entry point” into automatic shufflers without going full casino-level.

My only hang-up is this I love my bridge sized cards. That’s what I run in my games and I’ve got a ton of setups. But I’ve read quite a few threads saying bridge cards tend to jam more or just don’t run as smoothly in these machines. From what I’ve seen, even people who make it work still deal with more issues compared to poker size .

So my question is:

• Has anyone successfully modified a Shuffle Tech (or similar) to run bridge cards reliably?
• Are there any known tweaks, adjustments, or card brand recommendations that make bridge work better?
• Or is this just one of those “you’re stuck using poker size if you want a shuffle tech” situations?

I’m trying to decide if I should adapt my setup… or just accept that a shuffle tech and bridge cards don’t really mix.

Appreciate any real-world experience

I contacted Shuffletech over 2 years ago and asked about bridge cards:

​

21 Nov, 2023


Hello! Very interested in a Shuffletech! I see that you ship poker sized cards and believe this was designed for that size. That’s said I own about 35 setups of plastic bridge (about 3-4 poker sized too) cards and was wondering if the machine works at all with them. I’ve heard mixed feedback in that on the forums

Chip: This shuffler does not work well with bridge sized cards. Only use standard poker sized playing cards, 100% plastic like: Faded Spade, Copag or Bicycle prestige... etc

Ok thank you. Any plans on a unit that uses bridge sized cards? I would think there is a good market for that being this is an enthusiast product and many poker enthusiasts use bridge sized cards like the casinos do.

Chip: Our next shuffler will handle bridge sized cards.

That’s excellent news! Is that something coming out soon or a few years away?


Chip: It will take some time.


Thank you!


Chip: You are welcome. Check in with us any time.



I contacted them again about 8 months ago and got no response. I only use bridge cards and hate poker sized cards. Shuffletech is really missing on an opportunity here. The original design should have been made to use both. The typical poker player is using paper poker sized cards. The typical players is also not spending $800 on a shuffler. Only enthusiasts are….people very likely to use bridge cards.

Sooo…..today this was delivered.

 

[mikem_nyc]

I watch and read a ton on here about home game setups, and lately I’ve been really tempted to pull the trigger on an automatic shuffler.

I can’t really justify going straight to something like a DeckMate as my first one. I love the idea of having a shuffler, but I don’t know if I’d actually get enough value out of a multi-thousand dollar machine right out of the gate.

So naturally I’ve been looking at something like a Shuffle Tech. Seems like the best “entry point” into automatic shufflers without going full casino-level.

My only hang-up is this I love my bridge sized cards. That’s what I run in my games and I’ve got a ton of setups. But I’ve read quite a few threads saying bridge cards tend to jam more or just don’t run as smoothly in these machines. From what I’ve seen, even people who make it work still deal with more issues compared to poker size .

So my question is:

• Has anyone successfully modified a Shuffle Tech (or similar) to run bridge cards reliably?
• Are there any known tweaks, adjustments, or card brand recommendations that make bridge work better?
• Or is this just one of those “you’re stuck using poker size if you want a shuffle tech” situations?

I’m trying to decide if I should adapt my setup… or just accept that a shuffle tech and bridge cards don’t really mix.

Appreciate any real-world experience

I own a Shuffletech. Yes the bridge cards jam more but only marginally imo. For reference this is with Faded Spades bridge cards, it’s been a while since I’ve run Copag bridge cards in there, so I forget if they jam more easily. I’ve run games with bridge cards and it’s pretty easy to unjam. Jamming occurs more when you don’t clean the shuffle tech rollers for a while. I’ll let others chime in though

 

[danopoker]

Just FYI, the DM should work on bridge size with or without the "bars" that run down the left-side of the pickup tray, but it makes a neater stub if they are installed. Hopefully yours came with the bars. Enjoy your awesome shuffler!

 

[Old State]

Just FYI, the DM should work on bridge size with or without the "bars" that run down the left-side of the pickup tray, but it makes a neater stub if they are installed. Hopefully yours came with the bars. Enjoy your awesome shuffler!

Unless someone took them out I would imagine almost every DM has the bars. I’ve never seen a casino card room use poker sized cards.

 

[bigblind]

Shuffle tech definitely speeds up the game. My guys love it.

 

[Machine]

I used shuffle techs for years, I wouldnt really run multiple games with out a shuffler. I enjoyed poker size cards every game. After I bought my DM I now can enjoy bridge cards

Shuffle tech boxes bridge cards

 

[Old State]

Had my first game with the shuffler. SIGNIFICANTLY sped up the game when passing the deal. At least doubled the hands played

In this pic my son is dealing during the middle part of the night. Game was sped up but a little less so being that he is a proficient shuffler and can perform a standard casino shuffle in about 15 seconds. He also …usually…manages the pot and collects mucked cards which saves time. With this the shuffler probably still accounted for 1.5x increase in hands seen.

It makes a very noticeable difference

 

[Coyote]

If the machine is "digested" under the table and lies smoothly on the surface, it deserves to be a relatively expensive (Shuffletech) or very expensive (Deckmate) one, and it's reasonable for the machine to dictate card size.
If on a side table, no need for big spending, since it's by definition a not-so-convenient solution. A Chinese-made cheapo (not necessarily the cheapest) will do the job with any cards. If it breaks down, you get another.