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Sorting a hand of playing cards.
Introduction
The goal is to efficiently sort the 13 cards into a fan, ensure that no cards are hidden, and to hold the set of cards without stress.
Sort the cards into the four suits (Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs). Alternate the suits, so as to readily distinguish: red, black, red, black. Some people do not sort each suit into numeric order, but beginners should.
A finished example:
Method
Collect your hand from the dealer.
Commence with whatever suit comes up first, in this case a black suit. Accumulate the sorted cards with your right hand. Hold the remaining stock in your left hand.
Inspect the next card in your left hand, then insert it into the relevant suit order.
When all cards are approximately sorted, then close them. Now fan the cards out, by joining the bottom left-hand corners.
Ensure that no cards are hidden. Count all thirteen. During play, always do this. Do not risk a renege by having an obscured card.
The set can be lightly held between thumb and forefinger. Your hand should not be tight, or stressed, or cramped.
An efficient player can sort and assess a hand in about 30 seconds. And even hold a conversation at the same time.
