My hands are usually dry and the cards, mostly new, are stiff and slippery. Is there a better way than licking my fingers (rather gross)to get a better grip? Some special product perhaps?

One product is "Sortkwik".
It can usually be found in office supply stores.
It will add some tack for a while.

Another product is "Corn Huskers" hand lotion which can also helps add some moisture and tack.

This topic is common here.
A Café search for the phrase 'dry hands' should turn up results.