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On a Jeff McBride DVD he shows a way of running cards through a ruler to get rid of their stiff finish and then applying fanning powder to them.

Currently to get a deck more workable i just sit with it while browsing the web and riffle the the thing for ages, in different directions and along different sides of the cards and basically play about with it. Should i be using fanning powder even if i dont do a lot of fanning ?

Has anyone got any more tips on how to prepare a deck of cards?

Should i be using fanning powder even if i dont do a lot of fanning ?

I cant beleive you said that....dont get me wrong here bud, but maybe you've gotta seriously lay off the booze for a bit....no really...honestly bud....would you buy a truck if you didnt need one...Ofcourse you shouldnt buy fanning powder if you dont fan a lot...only them pro's use fanning powder cuz they fan a lot....


If i came off as rude there, im really sorry...it was in the sarcastic joke sorta way

I have never used fanning powder, and I get through 2 packs of cards a week. But I find that a few card springs, faro shuffles and dribbles get my cards ready in about 15 minutes. Whenever I perform at a job I always use a new pack of cards. and can have them ready for my first spectators while I chat with them/have a pint etc. Or I do a few effects that dont require a "broken in pack" and during that time they will be ready for anything.

Someone told me once that fanning powder was only repackaged unscented talc? Is this right?

I Agree with ZIG ZAG and MagicAL you don't need fanning powder for new cards just some riffle shuffles and a bit of sweat .
Although I have heard it helps to ger older more grubby / sticky decks back into a bit better shape.
Unscented Talc?............Most Probable

?Powdered chalk - as used on string to mark out straight lines for building work etc? Probably very cheap from Builders' Merchants. French Chalk is another possibility - perhaps from shops specialising in ballet and other dance products?

Cheers for the replies

I know it's called "fanning" powder, but i wasnt sure if it helped at all with other aspects of card handling

I guess it doesnt really matter how everyone prepares their cards, everyone might have their own way.

Thanks again.