How to do magic with cards?
Some of the most valuable and fascinating things to know in magic are the clever ideas and ruses which are used to enable certain effects to be produced. Over the years magicians has carried out a continuous search for little known secrets how to do magic with cards, and in this chapter gives us a such item.
TO SHOW THE TOP CARD
A person who performs magic with cards is naturally expected to be able to handle the pack neatly. This does not mean that the performer should give the impression that he is a skillful manipulator, but that he should appear to be completely at ease with a pack in his hands. In addition to the competent manner in which the usual operations with cards are carried out, other neat actions can be included, which are pleasing to the eye, but which do not look like extravagant flourishes.
On occasions when it is necessary to call attention to the top card of the pack, there is a pretty way of turning the card over to show its value. The appearance is that he causes the card to make one complete revolution, twirling it between his thumb and forefinger, for the face to be seen before the card returns to its original position on the pack. Although the movement of the card is not arrested during the turn, there is sufficient time for its face to be seen.
To perform the turn, hold the pack face down in the dealer’s position in the left hand. With the left thumb, push the top card to the right for the right thumb to go to the extreme edge of the right inner corner. The card is taken by the right hand with the top of the forefinger below and the outer side of the second finger above the corner.
By lifting the card a little, and pushing to the left on the edge of the card with the right thumb, the card turns over in an anti-clockwise direction, so that when it is face up the second finger is on the back and the tip of the thumb on the face. Slip the tip of the first finger to the back, and continue to make the card turn until it is face down again on top of the pack. There should be no cessation of the turning movement – the card slowly makes one complete revolution, coming face down again on top of the pack.
It is an unpretentious and simple item but it adds a touch of artistry.
