by Nikodemus » Dec 1st, '05, 01:10
I know this thread is 2 years old - but someone else might find this useful...
The description in Royal Road says to start with index & little fingers underneath the bottom (face) card. This makes it very hard to control the deck.
I successfully learnt this in about 20 mins after watching Gerry Griffen do it in his Complete Card Magic vol 6 or 7. Start with those fingers on the ENDS of the deck. You can then control the deck with your 4 fingers giving your thumb total freedom of movement at the start of the cut. Your index finger obviously needs to move underneath but your pinkie can remain on the end to stop any cards sliding off. Lean the cards slightly towards that pinkie cos you know they are safe from sliding that direction. Let gravity help not hinder you.
As you practice you will become more relaxed & tune into the move. Just like learning to ski, or do judo etc etc. Move can feel very odd at first but quickly become familiar.