theory11 — Magic Tricks & the World's Finest Playing Cards

Hands why won't you work?

T

themagicfickle

Mar 22, 2013
1
0
I have just got back into card magic after 10 years but I was only ever a beginner. I know the basics but was interested in the gambling side so purchased Foundations from this very site. The first section I looked at was bottom dealing but I just can't get to grips with it (literally). I am trying the Erdanase grip but cards seem to slip from my hands, my fingers can't pull the bottom card out and it just doesn't feel comfortable. I know it can't happen instantly but I did expect at least a little progress. I will continue to endeavour but has anyone got any advice?
 
I'm sure you knew this was coming but, Practice, Practice, Practice! That is the only way, try an older deck one that's worn out so the cards don't slip as easily. Also watch videos on youtube of people who can bottom deal fluently, pause the video so you can really see their grip and where they are grabbing the bottom card. You may have to change your mechanics and do what works best for you. Below I am going to post two videos, I know the "DM" video may be hard to follow but go full screen and and analyze his hands. Hope I helped!

First Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU4tJVwKnkQ
Second: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KspXQMkPOA0
 
The longer you work at it, the more flexible and stronger your hands will get.

When I started, I couldn't do several moves. Charlier Cuts were barely possible, scissor cuts were impossible, a one-handed shift was the stuff of dreams. After a year of solid card work, I could do most of them with no trouble. At this point I can do stuff like a one-handed shuffle and one handed cuts, one handed second deals (I like one-handed techniques). All it comes down to is working until your hands can do it.
 
If you havent touched cards in ten years, and werent too great to begin with, I wouldnt recommend foundations, start with expert at the card table if you want gambling style stuff.
 
ChristopherT said:
The longer you work at it, the more flexible and stronger your hands will get.

When I started, I couldn't do several moves. Charlier Cuts were barely possible, scissor cuts were impossible, a one-handed shift was the stuff of dreams. After a year of solid card work, I could do most of them with no trouble. At this point I can do stuff like a one-handed shuffle and one handed cuts, one handed second deals (I like one-handed techniques). All it comes down to is working until your hands can do it.
Click to expand...

Entirely off-topic, but I have a friend who has gotten me to teach him only one handed techniques. He does no performance, gambling, or magic of any kind. Just likes to have something to do with his hand. He can do one handed bottoms, seconds, greeks, faros, false faros, and a false charlier. It blows my mind.

Anyway, Jason's tip to use only about 2/3 of the deck when starting is extremely helpful. Another trick I used, I thought it helped, was practicing the move upside down. Simply turning over your hand and attempting to execute it. It results in a lot more mistakes, but also lets you figure out the grip a little quicker, which was one of the hardest parts for me. Another tip is stretching before you practice the bottom deal. I like using D&D routines for stretching, but just playing around with your hands absolutely works. Lastly of course, practice. It takes at minimum about a week to get any sort of feel for a bottom deal, much longer to really get the hang of it. Thankfully, once you do it is both fun and easy to practice.
 
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