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Hi,
Anyone have some good tips on the Hamman count? I'm having problems keeping the 'switch' part of the move concealed - i get away with it about 75% of the time .... is it just a case of practicing, starting off slow etc? Ive been practising this for a good while now and I'm sure i must be doing something fundamentally wrong!
(I'm trying to perfect my 'Oil and Queens' from the Complete Walton1 ).
any tips much appreciated!

It's more about blocking and timing than being a 'burnable' move (although, done correctly it can survive scrutiny). I wrote a lesson on it for Basic Training, which is now compiled in a book.

There's not the time or space to write it up here, but if you ever see me in town ask and I'll give you a demo.

Ian

Thanks Ian...I kind of thought as much, although i think I'm possibly being a bit hamfisted as well.
I'll be sure to keep an eye out for you for a demo!
cheers,
Peter

Keeping the right hand as motionless as possible helps to cover the switch. I think it says in the routine you're saying 'red, black, red, etc' as you're displaying the cards, so they shouldn't really be watching it too closely. Treat it as being incidental and of little importance.

Thanks cc100, that sounds like a good tip - i'll practice it on nightshift tonight!

Ian missed the chance for a plug there. I never touched the hamman count because I thought it was too noticeable but I
Use it all the time now after reading Basic Training the book. Some good advice in there for the switch.

I learned it from 'counts ,cuts, moves, and subtlety'(Mentzer).
ive also found (through practice) that using the right index finger discreetly to cover the pips can help the move.
Definitely keeping the right hand still whilst counting the cards makes the switch much smoother.
Many thanks
Peter