Do you shuffle after a mulligan?

Do You Shuffle After a Mulligan?

A Mulligan is a rare treat in golf, where you get to replay a shot, usually due to unforeseen circumstances or mistakes. However, when it comes to shuffling after a Mulligan, it can get a bit tricky. In this article, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of shuffling after a Mulligan and explore the various perspectives and rules surrounding this topic.

Direct Answer

The direct answer to this question is yes, you should shuffle after a Mulligan. When taking a Mulligan, you should put the cards from your hand back into the deck, draw a new set of cards, and then place the number of cards equal to the number of times you’ve taken a Mulligan on the bottom of the deck. This process ensures that your deck is shuffled and your chances of drawing the cards you need are restored.

Mulligan Strategies

Here are some strategies to keep in mind when playing with Mulligans:

• Two-to-Five Rule: Keep your hand if you have between two and five lands. Mulligan if you have zero, one, six or seven lands.
• Don’t Mulligan Unless You Must: Mulliganing can be a game-changer, but don’t do it unless you have to. You risk throwing away a good hand or creating a situation where you’ll struggle to find cards to play.
• Keep an Eye on the Deck: Pay attention to the cards that have been played and try to anticipate what’s left in the deck. This will help you make informed decisions about when to Mulligan and when to stick with your current hand.

Types of Mulligans

There are two main types of Mulligans:

• Soft Mulligan: When you take a soft Mulligan, you get to replay a shot, usually due to unforeseen circumstances or mistakes. This type of Mulligan is typically accepted in casual games, but it’s not always recognized in official tournaments.
• Hard Mulligan: A hard Mulligan, also known as a replay, is when you intentionally play a shot, but then decide to replay it. This type of Mulligan is usually accepted in official tournaments, but it can be tricky to manage, especially in fast-paced games.

When Not to Mulligan

Here are some situations where it’s best not to Mulligan:

• Good Start: If you get off to a good start with your initial hand, don’t Mulligan. You’re more likely to mess up your chances by trying to fix something that’s not broken.
• Running Out of Options: If you’re running low on options and struggling to find the right cards, don’t Mulligan. You’re more likely to find the cards you need if you stick with your current hand.
• Trying to Fix a Problem: If you’re trying to fix a problem, don’t Mulligan. This can create a snowball effect and lead to even more problems down the line.

Mulligan vs. Reverse Mulligan

Reverse Mulligan is essentially the opposite of a Mulligan. When playing a reverse Mulligan, you replay a shot that has already been completed. Here are some key differences between Mulligans and reverse Mulligans:

Why Does a Hole-in-One Count After a Mulligan?

In golf, a hole-in-one, also known as an ace, is a rare and exceptional occurrence. When a hole-in-one is scored after a Mulligan, it doesn’t count towards official statistics. This is because Mulligans are intended to replay a shot that has already been completed, and the hole-in-one was achieved through a legitimate stroke. Proper holes-in-one need to have a legitimate, USGA-abiding score attached to them.

Conclusion

Shuffling after a Mulligan is essential to maintaining a fair and balanced game. Whether you’re playing a casual game with friends or a official tournament, it’s crucial to understand the rules and strategies surrounding Mulligans. By following these guidelines, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about when to Mulligan and when to stick with your current hand.