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As in controlling a card to the top for example

Thanks in advance

Due to my lack of being able to do it any other way, a series of false shuffles always does the job for me.

Alec Kobain wrote:Due to my lack of being able to do it any other way, a series of false shuffles always does the job for me.

Its the method I have practising and the one that makes the most sense to be honest

Cheers Alec

Depends on the situation really.

If you are performing an ambitious card routine, having the card returned and then shuffling seems to be a bit silly. The idea is that it is clearly in the middle and then impossibly jumps to the top.

However there are also some routines where the opposite is true. You often see magicians say after having the card returned to the centre "I couldn't possibly know where your card is.." Which again is pretty silly.

So for me I have a number of controls for different situations. A standard overhand shuffle control, an underspread cull, the side steal...etc.

Yep - the control which is 'best' is usually purely dependant on the effect being performed; false cuts, shuffles, culling, gliding, passing, blah, blah, all have their place in a cardy's heart.

Tempted to go all Yoda here, but the Guinness has the better of me, so you've been spared that, at least

Lenoir wrote:Depends on the situation really.

If you are performing an ambitious card routine, having the card returned and then shuffling seems to be a bit silly. The idea is that it is clearly in the middle and then impossibly jumps to the top.

However there are also some routines where the opposite is true. You often see magicians say after having the card returned to the centre "I couldn't possibly know where your card is.." Which again is pretty silly.

So for me I have a number of controls for different situations. A standard overhand shuffle control, an underspread cull, the side steal...etc.

Sorry - should have made myself clearer. I meant more in a situation where a card is returned to the deck and I have to get it to a position where it is top/2nd/3rd from top

Prepare yourself for a boring night in the pub this week

magicrob wrote:Yep - the control which is 'best' is usually purely dependant on the effect being performed; false cuts, shuffles, culling, gliding, passing, blah, blah, all have their place in a cardy's heart.

Tempted to go all Yoda here, but the Guinness has the better of me, so you've been spared that, at least

Never spare me of anything like that

i never control a card to the top of the deck. I prefer to get it to the bottom of the pack, and then execute a bottom palm, to do with it what i will.

Obviously this is all depends on the effect and performance style. I often move the card to the bottom using the gamblers cop. However I also enjoy a good side steal. Also, the pass has never let me down. Typically for me the only reason to bring a card to the top would be in an Ambitious Card instance, so shuffling after the card has clearly been put in the center doesn't make any sense to me.

Short card.
Why over complicate matters?

Maybe using an overhand shuffle im not too sure as im no expert but its my favorite method as its easy and deceptive if you can keep up the chatter whilst doing it and then maybe fix it with a riffle shuffle but really its up to prefrence

Lawrence wrote:Short card.
Why over complicate matters?

That lets you *locate* a card. What do you then do to get it to the top?

I use a jog shuffle and a classic or turnover pass most of the time.

molesworth wrote:

Lawrence wrote:Short card.
Why over complicate matters?

That lets you *locate* a card. What do you then do to get it to the top?

I use a jog shuffle and a classic or turnover pass most of the time.

I just cut at the short card.

Again, why over complicate?

Lawrence wrote: why over complicate?

I guess if want to create the illusion the card is middle of the deck, cutting the deck spoils that.

molesworth wrote:

Lawrence wrote: why over complicate?

I guess if want to create the illusion the card is middle of the deck, cutting the deck spoils that.

Only if you do it while they're looking

I can see your point of course, I'm just yet be in a situation where a pass would work better than just simply making eye contact with your spectator and doing a cut.
But I'm only really ever performing in bars rather close to people and this is the easiest way for me; may be a different situation for yourself.

Like the others here i use what i consider to be the best method for the particular effect. A simple cut using a jogged, crimped or short card as a locator can be very effective, especially when done on an off beat and with some time misdirection - dont cut the cards straight away.

The side steal and the cull (as has been mentioned) are exellent controls in that they are invisible - as far as the spectators are concerned nothing has happened, and the card is still in the same location it was placed in the deck. This can be good psychology.

Look at the actual effect you're doing - what is the selection procedure ? how would the card be returned ? what is to happen immedietely after the card is returned ? Questions like these will in many instances indicate which control will fit best into the routine.


jim