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Hey all,

I hope some of you may be able to provide me with some advice. I'm currently going through the 'Fundementals' in Card College Vol. 1 and I'm now practicing spreading the cards in the hands. I've been practicing this for hours over the past few days and it still looks really clumsy. I've looked at how Giobbi performs this on the Card College DVD (as well as how it is described in the book) and checked out other 'tutorials' on youtube. It seems that everyone performs the spread slightly differently.

My question(s) is/are how long did it take you to perform the spread aesthetically and evenly and is Giobbi's description the only or best way so as to perform later techniques such as the c*****c f***e?

Thanks

What type of cards are you using ? The better the quality, the easier it will be to get a nice spread.


Jim

Honestly Ive found that spreading and fanning the cards is one of the harder moves I have found to get to an "acceptable" enough condition to do infront of people. Sure it doesnt matter so much if it isnt too neat but I mean like to get it to a standard where someone might notice that it IS something that you have done with skill. Infact im still not happy with my fans and spreads even though I have spent many an hour practicing. Anyway this kind of thing comes at different times to different people, its a knack, so try not to get caught up on it if it is frustrating you. Hope I helped!

Oh yeah and as Jim said, quality is important for that kinda thing. I usially have a deck I use specially to practice that kinda thing and a seperate one for sleights.

magicbob123 wrote:Oh yeah and as Jim said, quality is important for that kinda thing. I usially have a deck I use specially to practice that kinda thing and a seperate one for sleights.

If spreading is to be used during a magic effect then it would make more sense to practice all sleights and flourishes with the same deck - the same type as you're planning on using in performance.


Jim

jim ferguson wrote:

If spreading is to be used during a magic effect then it would make more sense to practice all sleights and flourishes with the same deck - the same type as you're planning on using in performance.


jugglemonkey

Definately yeah, I just mean if you where to work solely on perfecting some flourishes then it might be a good idea to get it down with a deck in reasonable quality before practicing say a full routine with another deck that might be grubby from all the sleights and drunken poker.

EDIT: Im not saying it is necessary I just found it helped me

Thanks to both of you for taking the time to help me out!

Jim: I'm currently using a standard deck of poker-style Bicycles. I think think they have an air-cushion finish. They're in new condition (I bought a brick of 12 packs). I thought it better to practice and get used to these as they're what most people are familiar with and wouldn't arouse any suspicion of a 'gaffed' deck. What are your thoughts? Should I try a different style or finish?

MagicBob: You've heartened me with that, thanks! At least I don't feel like I should give up now if I can't get to grips with a fundamental technique rather quickly. If you don't mind me asking, how long did it take you before you were comfortable displaying your flourish? I have no idea why that sounds dirty haha.

In my opinion the cards youre using are perfect for the job and Im sure Jim will agree. As for my flourishes, its hard to say, I never concentrated on solely practicing a flourish. It is usually a knack, one day you will try it and it will happen and you will think "oh, its just THAT". Anyway dont worry how long, Im sure you will get it soon and if you dont then just move on, and try again later. I know I spent every waking hour for like 3 or more days practicing my charlier cut before I found a method I found consistant enough to perform infront of people.

Indeed, Bikes are fine.

Just keep at it, as has been pointed out its just a knack that will come with time - it doesn't have to be perfect, just graceful.

As for your other question - Card College is certainly not the only way to learn any technique or sleight, but I've heard good things about it (I haven't studied it personally). Royal Road To Card Magic is a book you may enjoy and is where I and many others started - there should be a review on here somewhere. This teaches many fundementals and wll give the student an exellent footing in the craft. The natural follow on to Royal Road is Expert Card Technique which will teach many of the more advanced techniques and also contains and exellent chapter on misdirection and presentation.

For general magic Mark Wilsons Complete Course in Magic is highly recommended. This will introduce you to many dfferent types of effects and genres in magic. There are things like cards, coins, sponge balls, cups and balls, paper money, rope, close-up, stage, mentalism, escapology, illusion and much more.

Jim

I never got the knack for the typical fan. I tried, oh lord how I tried. The problem is of course me, I just don't like them very much but figured it was a law of some sort that we all have to be able to do this feat. I do love the spring fan its a little more flourishy and is a bit of a trick itself. When I first started using it people would ask to see the spread again rather than an effect. I learned how to avoid that as well.

The point being, don't worry so much about it.