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After watching this guy perform a DL against people in his special about 5000 times, I still cant decide whether he wis just that good at it and makes it look so innocent, or if it is possible he may use roughing fluid on the top two cards. Im very new to magic, so im sure this has been thought of numerous times, but Im looking to really improve my DL technique and I was hoping someone could educate me on proper form. Thanks.

If you're looking for the proper form - look no further than Gregory Wilson's Double Take DVD.

He teaches 25+ dl techniques, as well as tosses in some pretty cool effects. IF you want to really get a grasp on the dl, check that dvd out.

buildit wrote:I still cant decide whether he wis just that good at it and makes it look so innocent,

I didnt really think he was all that good at it, (only based on one view of 2 card monte...) on one you clearly see him prepairing for the DL!!

I agree - Greg Wilson's DVD is fantastic. There are loads of different DLs explained and some killer effects too - highly recommended!

As for Blaine's DL - I think it is superb. Ok, he uses a get ready for some effects, but when the spectators are burning his hands his DL without a get ready is superb. It's smooth and natural looking and that is why it is so deceptive.

Buildit - it is pure technique, and practice will reward you with the ability to do this DL!

MagicBill wrote:As for Blaine's DL - I think it is superb. Ok, he uses a get ready for some effects, but when the spectators are burning his hands his DL without a get ready is superb. It's smooth and natural looking and that is why it is so deceptive.

I did watch DB when the series was on TV but can't remember every detail, can someone remind me what type of DL he did that some found so good?

Was it a hit, push off, dribble or some other type?....I personally do the dribble in my Ambitious Card routine and I love it....there is no get ready at all......!

Thanks for the response, I am definitely going to buy that DVD.

The pinkie break is the 'get ready' for a DL! There are numerous DLs you can perform from this position - and the advantage is that you'll never miss the double.

On the flip side, you cannot be totally surrounded and (even through misdirection) some preperation is required on the deck. If you need to do a succession of DLs, then performing the sleight with a 'get ready' can break the flow of the effect.

This is why I took the time to learn various DLs without the 'get ready'! IMO, it just looks better to anyone watching. Blaine uses a variation of the double push off, which I think looks very natural and is very deceptive.

I was just watchin my old blaine showman dvd last night, not seen his stuff for ages!

anyhow was watchin one of his ambitious card routines and the camera cut a bit low.... so i paused and stepped through frame by frame.... the card face had been edited to "TRY AGAIN" made me laugh!

I was good to watch again, he really controls the situation well and some of those people seem really scary!

I do agree his DL is impressive..............BUT considering he likes to use some post production edits, one is left to wonder if you would perform 35 times, if you would not be able to find a few for the show that are absolutely spotlessly clean! I don't doubt he is good, don't get me wrong, but like I said, if you were going to use editing, would you even use a "get ready" or just simply take your chances on performing it clean?

Just a thought I guess!

Firstly, I've never seen his DL, so don't take me too seriously here .

That said, a strike DL is not actually that hard to master and it does make routines like the Ambitious Card flow a lot smoother. I seem to remember Will (i.e. GoldFish) had a video of it so maybe if you ask him nicely he will send you !

Kati

buildit, I have had a lot of success with the double leift and find the easiest way is to hold the deck in your left hand as for dealing with the tip of the left thumb on the outer left non index corner. Simply press down and inward with your thumb and you'll find that the top two cards buckle slightly and form a very slight break between themselves and the rest of the deck. Simply bring your right hand over as if to square the deck and remove the top two cards as one. The key thing is to remember that when you are only taking one card your moves have to be exactly the same. This version allows you to avoid having to find a break before hand or pushing two cards as one off the pack. It never lets me down and I don't get spotted when preparing the lift with the left thumb. Try it and let me know how you get on.

Thought for the day: Why is the word abbreviation so long. PB

It cant of been that good.


you spotted that he was doing one.

So far, the best DL I've seen was on Jay Sankey, it looks natural and perfect...