Primary Accomplishments.—The first acquirement of the professional player is proficiency at “blind” shuffling and cutting. Perfection in performing the “blind” shuffle, whether the old-fashioned hand shuffle or the “riffle” supplemented by a thorough knowledge of “blind” cutting, makes it impossible for the smartest card handler living to determine whether the procedure is true or “blind.” This ability once acquired gives the expert ease and assurance in any kind of company, and enables him to lull into a state of absolute serenity the minds of many players who may be naturally suspicious. Nothing so completely satisfies the average card player as a belief that the deck has been thoroughly shuffled and genuinely cut.