scry2.py

from __future__ import division, print_function

from random import shuffle

ncards = 60
deck = range(ncards)
shuffle(deck)

def inorder(deck):
    for i, j in enumerate(deck):
        if i != j:
            return False
    return True

n = 0
lookingfor = 1

while True:
    n += 1

    toptwo = deck[:2]
    rest = deck[2:]

    if lookingfor == len(deck) and toptwo == [0, 1]:
        assert inorder(deck)
        print(deck)
        break

    toptwo.sort()

    if lookingfor in toptwo:
        if toptwo[0] == lookingfor - 1:
            lookingfor += 1
        else:
            toptwo.remove(lookingfor)
            deck = [lookingfor] + rest + toptwo
            continue

    deck = rest + toptwo

print(n)