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ok, now i just learned this trick, if u can call it a trick... but im having problems with moving the bottom set of the cut over to the side, before tilting it onto the top. i drop the lower half, and begin to tilt it up, but as i do, the lowest card from the top of the deck is always dragged along, and ends up spilling all the cards. this happens about 1/3 trys, is there some technique that i can use, tilting certain fingers - etc?

Hi there!

I'm assuming you're doing the Charlier cut...

Seems to me that you're not holding the top packet properly as you do the cut. You need to hold it firmly with the flesh of the thumb, then just roll the tip of your thumb upwards to drop the packet then roll it back down again. You might want to try bridge cards if you're not already, as they're much smaller and easier to use (for me, at least).

Kati

Hi gnoff if you're having trouble with a full deck try using half the deck fist and then gradually building it up fromt there. It also sounds like you are not letting the lower half clear fully. Also try out Katis tip of using bridge sized cards and then use poker cards when you've got it.
Don't give up on it though and wait till you get to the triple charlier and beyond (OOH MY POOR FINGERS.)

I think the key is probably all in hand position. You need to cup your hand so that the top part, which stays held by the finger tips till the last moment, is as far away from the lowest point of the valley formed in your hand as possible. Try holding a small packet of cards there and adjusting the position until you can easily push a card through on it's edge using your other hand. Now go back to trying the whole cut, drop a portion so that the edge nearest you falls into this low spot, then without letting go of you grip on the top packet push the bottom one up with your index finger.

thanks guys, i think i almost have it now... but i need to know, when i cut my cards i find that my pinky finger usually slips out and just kinda dangles on the edge of the cards, should i keep it centered on the pack, or let it go to the corner?

The pinky doesn't play a major part in this cut. I generally leave it at the bottom of the deck, on the short end, so that the cards can't slip, but it's personal preference.

Kati