talkmagic.co.uk

Having trouble with the Elmsley Count whilst performing Jazz Aces and Twisting the Aces. I can perform the sleight without the card being shown, however it's quite obvious that I'm doing something, my family notices me doing something whenever I show them the trick. Just wondering if anybody had any tips on how to make it less obvious. May try to post a video of me doing Twisting just to show you what I mean.

I have been taught to go through the count SLOWLY and keep each movement at the same pace. Also, hold the cards in Dealer's Grip and work them with your palm.. Much easier.

Hope this helps!

Michael Kras

I find it easiest to initially hold the cards at their top left corner with my thumb and forefinger, but each to their own.

It's all about smoothness and consistency. If you can, film youself and see where you're going wrong. A camera fone should be fine.

If you put Elmsley into the search function you'll find a lot of previous threads offering tips and advice.

Thanks for the advice, I found that doing it slowly like Kras said was easier, hopefully I'll have some vids posted up soon.

I struggled with the Elmsley count when I first did it, but I purchased the Penguin Magic Instant download on it and that really helped me.

There are umpteen threads about the Emsley. Look them up.

The Emsley is probably the most important sleight to learn, it has so many uses.

There are basically 2 methods of performing the Emsley. The Emsley Count permits the magician to perform a number of different sleights, such as counting cards and hiding some of them etc.

The Emsley Count is used frequently in packet tricks. Anyone wanting to progress beyond amateur card magic must learn it.

The two methods used are counting between finger and thumb or counting as in the dealing position. Some prefer one method, some prefer the other.

It is a very important sleight to learn. If you want to know it properly, learn both methods and choose which is best for you.

Despite the fact that Alec Emsley invented this effect many years ago, it is still utilised in modern packet tricks such as NFW.

Don't give this sleight half measures, learn it properly.