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The Elmsley Count: The Magicians Bookshelf

Where: http://www.magiciansbookshelf.com/
Author: Dave Brown.
Price: £4.47

The Review
I am not sure what prompted me to buy this one, but I am glad I did. You see I was quite happy with the way I have been doing the Elmsley count, but nevertheless was curious to see Dave Brown’s take on it.

What is taught is a deep in the hands version as opposed to the finger tip version that I have been doing. The deep in the hands version looks much more natural than the way I have been doing it. So, I have been converted.

Alleluia.

The booklet contains 17 full colour photographs and two video clips. One from above and one from below at half speed, so you really can see everything that is happening under the water.

After the 14 pages of tutorial there is a short routine that allows you to put you brand new sleight into immediately action.

The routine is by Hubert Lambert and was not one I knew already. It is however a real corker. I have just performed it on my lovely assistant and when she says "do that again!" I know I have a worker (Normally she is not the world's greatest fan of magic).

This trick is very suitable for a group of people at tables or in a walk about situation as it get’s many people involved. It is also an ideal way of practicing the Elmsley Count.

The Bottom Line
The people who will get the best out of this download will be those that do not already know how to do the Elmsley Count well, but I say whether you are learning it for the first time, or are just like me and wanted to brush up on your skill, then I feel that this is still very good value for money.

Just looking at the number of requests in forums like this for help on performing the Elsmley Count makes me think that downloads like this one will be top sellers.

So, if you haven't already, it's time to get Twisting those aces.

I am glad to see there is more books and videos teaching the EC from the mechanics grip. The finger tip method was Vernons version for Twisting the Aces and wasn't meant to be used for every application. I commend everyone that can do the EC effectively Vernons way but take the time to learn it t he way Alex Elmsley had intended. Iv'e watched videos of Daryl, Martin Nash, Bruce Cervon and many others do it from the mechanics grip and its very deceptive. Thanks for the good review and I will put this in my library.
Cheers
Al

Interesting fact
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It was John Fedko who first did the EC with mechanics grip and it was known as "One handed EC" by Vernon. Fedko even sold this move named as "Fedko Finasse". It is mentioned in his catalogue.

Good review...thanks

Yeah the Elmsley was originally done the way you describe, then when Vernon made Twisting the Aces, everyone liked doing the twist of the cards and then doing the Elmsley at the fingertips, and it just stuck when people learned that.

Very recently a first edition of Elmsley's original manuscript detailing the count popped up on Ebay. Gutted that I forgot to bid on it!