Are there any examples of magicians who initially started out as card sharps and later went into magic?
Of course, a card sharp is "a professional card player who makes a living by cheating at card games". But in this context, i am speaking broadly about someone who started out initially as a gambler (with card manipulation skills) and later decided to transition his card-sharp skills into the art of close up magic entertainment.
I suspect there have been such magicians (especially having read about the life of Dai Vernon and how he was fascinated with card sharps). But i just can't come up with any.
Of course, a card sharp is "a professional card player who makes a living by cheating at card games". But in this context, i am speaking broadly about someone who started out initially as a gambler (with card manipulation skills) and later decided to transition his card-sharp skills into the art of close up magic entertainment.
I suspect there have been such magicians (especially having read about the life of Dai Vernon and how he was fascinated with card sharps). But i just can't come up with any.