In this ultimate guide to card wizardry, you’ll get the lowdown on the proper techniques—from the basics to the fancy stuff—before diving into the tricks (because, let’s face it, you can’t conjure a rabbit from a top hat without first mastering the hat).
Jean Hugard and Frederick Braue dish out the most dependable methods around, covering essential moves like the palm, shuffle, lift, side slip, pass, glimpse, jog, and reverse. They’ll also walk you through the murky waters of false deals, crimps, and changes, plus the advanced skills you’ll need for forces, fans, and that oh-so-tricky prearranged deck. And don’t get us started on the tricks—there’s a smorgasbord of delights, including self-working wonders, one-handed marvels, stranger cards, and crowd-pleasers like The Four Aces, The Rising Cards, and the Zingone spread. Plus, they’ve thrown in a handy guide to shakedown sleights (because forewarned is forearmed) and a performer’s manual on misdirection and patter (a.k.a. how to chat nonsense while pulling a rabbit out of your sleeve).
Many of these methods are fresh off the press, while others have been polished to perfection. Remember, the goal here is to dazzle your audience with simplicity, not to impress them with your ability to tie yourself in knots. This unrivalled collection of techniques and manipulations is a must-have for anyone looking to master the art of card magic without the fluff.
