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Before you jump to the conclusion that he's using NLP, I think it might be worth taking a step back and thinking about whether there's maybe another, simpler method he could be employing, because if there is, the chances are he's going to use that. Yes, you can achieve quite magical effects...

In that clip he doesn't control a randomly named four of a kind. However, I'm sure he could do if he wanted. The best source for this type of stuff is Karl Fulves riffle shuffle manuscripts, which seem to be rare and very hard to get hold of. However, I'm told that Mr Fulves still has copies he...

John Carney's DVD is the best resource on palming I've come across. Of course, get your foundations from Erdnase, but the DVD is absolutely brilliant.

I used to shake like hell when I started performing to the public, especially during the approach and the first effect. My recommendation would be to make your opener something that's not too sleight-heavy, maybe forcing a card and reading their mind. That way, you get a chance to relax into...

The only issue I've ever had with it is someone wanting to select the top card of the lower packet instead of the bottom card of the top packet. To cope with that, on "Stop", I always move the upper packet slightly forward of the lower packet as I say "So you want to stop there...happy with...

I'll PM you, because I think some people might take issue with me describing the move in detail on here.

I largely agree with Mr Bumgardner above, in that even if you aren't going to use the particular moves as described by Erdnase, you can still find a wealth of thinking about how moves should be used, thinking that can aid in designing your own techniques and routines. For example, I don't really...

Well, to be honest, if anyone thinks they can break a particular card-related world record they'll be given an opportunity to do so. So if you think you can beat Jeff McBride's card shooting record, or if you think you can do 100 Charlier cuts in a minute, or you can make a fan with four decks...

Muscle reading, or "contact mind-reading" as I like to call it, is fast becoming one of my favourite techniques. I think the most exciting thing about it is the fact that it can become a springboard to non-contact mind reading which can produce literally unbelievable effects.

Just want to canvass some opinion. If there was going to be a televised card flourish competition in London in September, organised along the lines of a rap or breakdance battle, including categories for solo performers, teams, and opportunities for world record attempts, does anyone here think...

Coin rolling is the best exercise I've found for this, especially doing more than one coin on each hand. When I started practicing coin rolling I almost exclusively used my left hand and now the little and ring fingers are almost totally individualised on that hand. I've got a bit of a way to go...

He was mentored by Erdnase? I think you should read Mr Johnson's book a bit more closely. Maybe check out David Ben's Vernon biography as well. There are a couple of slightly differing descriptions of what Vernon actually performed for Houdini, but the common thread is that he used a...

It can be quite good to have an "encore" piece that you save for those particular situations. Just something quick, simple and direct, maybe something that doesn't quite fit in with your normal repertoire. My thing is Derren Brown's impromptu haunted deck from The Devil's Picturebook. It's...

A really strong idea is for your first line to be "Hi, my name's [INSERT NAME HERE]". If you aren't called [INSERT NAME HERE] then feel free to use your own name instead. It's a simple thing, but it achieves two aims. It makes a very good start at establishing rapport, as you have given the...

I think that sometimes we can take our secrets a bit too seriously. There are a lot of ways in which people can enjoy and appreciate magic, and for some people just knowing how something is done is enough for them. They aren't a disgrace to anything, they're just curious. People can't be...

I would have to put a vote in for Jeff McBride's series. I'll be honest, I haven't bought Dan Sperry's downloads, but I'd be amazed if you get as much information and technique for your money as you do in Mr McBride's DVDs. It's not just the moves, it's the performance tips and extra information...

Yeah, I definitely want to see a Greek deal. Of all the deals, this is the one that I've found hardest to find information on. As well as the high standard of teaching I've come to expect from Mr England I'd also love to find out some historical detail.

Maybe some kind of mucking technique would work. Have the force cards on top of the deck, ribbon spread it and ask them to pull the required number of cards from anywhere in the deck. As you gather up the rest of the deck, palm the force cards (there's quite a good chance at least one of them...

Just to add my name to the list, I've studied performing arts in general, and drama in particular. Not with any special reference to Stanislavski, but I've got a passing familiarity with his work. And I've done a bit of stand-up comedy in my time, not particularly expertly, but it gave me a bit...

I agree 100% with Steerpike's assessment of how improv works. The work isn't happening in front of the audience, you're just seeing the result of years of work perfecting the craft. What we have to remember is that we, most of us, are laymen to the world of acting and comedy. If some guy who...