Help... bleeding fingers...

Struggling with an effect? Any tips (without giving too much away!) you'd like to share?

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Help... bleeding fingers...

Postby Magus » Apr 17th, '12, 00:00



...almost!

I'm currently trying to get to grips with making the card fly from the deck so I can catch it with my other hand. I am aware of the working of this effect but I can't seem to make it happen. I get the card to come out but it certainly doesn't flick if that makes sense? I also know I need to practice lots but at the moment it feels like it isn't going to come at all as the movement of the thumb feels so awkward. It also hurts the inside of my index and ring although I know this will probably ease.

does anybody have any tips on how to improve or is there an alternative handling of this that I can look into.

Many thanks,

Shaun.

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Re: Help... bleeding fingers...

Postby Rob » Apr 17th, '12, 00:46

Sounds like the ending to the Hot Shot Cut?

If so, check here: ftopic33175.php

:D

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Re: Help... bleeding fingers...

Postby Poppadom » Apr 17th, '12, 07:36

I've found that when I start practising any methods of propelling a card off the deck, they always start off with the card pathetically flopping forward onto the table, making me wonder what I am doing wrong and why it doesn't spin off like a perfect little helicopter. But like so many things, I have found that just practising it repeatedly is the way to make it work - there doesn't seem to be a 'trick' to these other than to not give up. A big part of it is that it takes quite a while to build up the strength in the relevant hand and finger muscles so that it is possible to get enough tension in the cards to allow them to spin off neatly.

As for the hurting hands, that seems to be another thing that eases with practice - that's certainly what I've found with springs and one-handed shuffles etc. Again, it's a case of strengthening muscles that you wouldn't normally use a lot by exercising them. Although if you find that the cards have cut through to bone, it might be wise to have a break for a while! :D

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Re: Help... bleeding fingers...

Postby Mandrake » Apr 17th, '12, 10:08

I'm quite sure that pain is nature's way of telling us to stop doing whatever it is that causes the pain......

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Re: Help... bleeding fingers...

Postby Magus » Apr 17th, '12, 12:13

Mandrake wrote:I'm quite sure that pain is nature's way of telling us to stop doing whatever it is that causes the pain......


Quite true Mandrake and I did indeed taken a forced break. Incidentally this morning I tried with a bridge deck (I had been trying with the bikes although I have smallish hands) and I found the movement a little easier. I think it will just come if I keep practising then I'll move back onto the bikes once I've removed the bandages! :lol:

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Re: Help... bleeding fingers...

Postby DJBenz » Apr 17th, '12, 12:44

Mandrake wrote:I'm quite sure that pain is nature's way of telling us to stop doing whatever it is that causes the pain......


No.

Pain is the feeling you get when a weakness exits the body. - Chuck Norris, 1975*



*Completely made up quote attribution. :D

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Re: Help... bleeding fingers...

Postby Mandrake » Apr 17th, '12, 13:19

And death is nature's way of telling us to slow down a bit!

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Re: Help... bleeding fingers...

Postby CArlight1958 » Apr 17th, '12, 14:14

Failing all else.

Try this....
l_auto_aid_car_plaster.jpg
l_auto_aid_car_plaster.jpg (21.6 KiB) Viewed 2527 times
:D

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Re: Help... bleeding fingers...

Postby bmat » Apr 17th, '12, 17:45

There are many methods (okay at least three that I know of) that accomplishes this. I am guessing from your pain it is the one where the deck is squished painfully between your index finger and third finger, your thumb is at the bottom inside corner and applies lots of pressure and pushes the card up and off the deck? If so this is my favourite method and gets the card the highest and once learned you have the greatest amount of control, If you angle the deck outwards just a bit the card flies off the deck goes over the spectators head angles back and you catch it.

Don't practice through the pain! Just stop and give it a rest and then a day or so later try again. Eventually it will happen. it does take some dedication. It is akin to the muscle pass or a faro shuffle. You struggle and struggle and one day it just happens. Then a week later you wonder why it was you were having so much trouble.

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Re: Help... bleeding fingers...

Postby Magus » Apr 17th, '12, 19:47

Rob wrote:Sounds like the ending to the Hot Shot Cut?

If so, check here: ftopic33175.php" target="_blank

:D


Thanks Rob,

Its a little different to the ending of the Hot Shot Cut but thanks for bringing that to my attention. I likes that move lots!:)

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Re: Help... bleeding fingers...

Postby Magus » Apr 17th, '12, 19:52

bmat wrote:There are many methods (okay at least three that I know of) that accomplishes this. I am guessing from your pain it is the one where the deck is squished painfully between your index finger and third finger, your thumb is at the bottom inside corner and applies lots of pressure and pushes the card up and off the deck? If so this is my favourite method and gets the card the highest and once learned you have the greatest amount of control, If you angle the deck outwards just a bit the card flies off the deck goes over the spectators head angles back and you catch it.

Don't practice through the pain! Just stop and give it a rest and then a day or so later try again. Eventually it will happen. it does take some dedication. It is akin to the muscle pass or a faro shuffle. You struggle and struggle and one day it just happens. Then a week later you wonder why it was you were having so much trouble.


That's the one thanks, its a little better today with using the slightly smaller cards and I do feel as though it should come with practice. I'm just struggling with how hard I should be holding the deck but again I'm sure it will get easier. I do like your idea of boomeranging it over the specs head! Nice touch.

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Re: Help... bleeding fingers...

Postby bmat » Apr 17th, '12, 21:35

Magus wrote:
bmat wrote:There are many methods (okay at least three that I know of) that accomplishes this. I am guessing from your pain it is the one where the deck is squished painfully between your index finger and third finger, your thumb is at the bottom inside corner and applies lots of pressure and pushes the card up and off the deck? If so this is my favourite method and gets the card the highest and once learned you have the greatest amount of control, If you angle the deck outwards just a bit the card flies off the deck goes over the spectators head angles back and you catch it.

Don't practice through the pain! Just stop and give it a rest and then a day or so later try again. Eventually it will happen. it does take some dedication. It is akin to the muscle pass or a faro shuffle. You struggle and struggle and one day it just happens. Then a week later you wonder why it was you were having so much trouble.


That's the one thanks, its a little better today with using the slightly smaller cards and I do feel as though it should come with practice. I'm just struggling with how hard I should be holding the deck but again I'm sure it will get easier. I do like your idea of boomeranging it over the specs head! Nice touch.


Oh it is beautiful. The trick, once you get the card to fly, is first to hold the deck so the long edge is level with the floor. If it is perfectly level the card will fly straight up and straight down, you can catch the card in the same hand. Tilt the deck a little to the left the card goes left, etc.

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Re: Help... bleeding fingers...

Postby Allen Tipton » Apr 19th, '12, 13:06

One way to help Shaun as used by a well known American pro--years ago!!--was to use one of those rubber finger 'stalls'. These were used at one time by bank staff to quickly & easily count bills. Also in the past Post Office staff used them.
Check out stationary shops.
They look like a small TT but made in a light rubber with little knobbles on them--this gives the grip.
Allen Tipton

Began magic at 9 in 1942. Joined Staffs M.S at 13. Nottm.Guild of M. (8 times President. Prog Director 20years)IBM. Awarded Magician of Month 1980 By Intern. Pres. IBM for reproducing Dante's Sim Sala Bim. Writes Dear Magician column for Abra. Mag.
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Re: Help... bleeding fingers...

Postby Magus » Apr 19th, '12, 16:03

Allen, many thanks once again for your advice, you are fast becoming my 'go to guy' for hints and tips!

I still have another 3 and a half weeks offshore to do and by the time I get home I'm hoping I'll have this sorted but I know the device you mention and I'll certainly bear it in mind if I'm still struggling. At the moment I'm wetting my thumb slightly to give it a better grip. It is coming, just a little slower than I imagined!

Shaun.

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Re: Help... bleeding fingers...

Postby Allen Tipton » Apr 19th, '12, 16:42

And another way of hardening fingers Shaun--is dip them in surgical spirit. Not a lot & be careful

Allen Tipton

Began magic at 9 in 1942. Joined Staffs M.S at 13. Nottm.Guild of M. (8 times President. Prog Director 20years)IBM. Awarded Magician of Month 1980 By Intern. Pres. IBM for reproducing Dante's Sim Sala Bim. Writes Dear Magician column for Abra. Mag.
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