Simple Pinky Break Question

[NonObserver]

Hi. New here to Theory11 and the magic world. Been practicing some basic moves over the last two months. My best trick so far has been driving my girlfriend crazy, but she's been a good sport so far.

I have a simple issue with a pinky break. I've built up enough pinky strength to do the pinky count and when I catch a break this way, even to the middle of the deck, I have no problem hiding it from the front view. However, when I do a swing cut and try to catch a pinky break to setup a force shuffle move you can see the disturbance at the front of the deck where I'm holding the break. I'm not sure why this is happening. I can't seem to square up the deck to make it invisible.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Gabriel Z.]

It could be that you have too much flesh in the break... It should be in there just enough to cause a separation between the to halves. Another possibility is that the cards are stepped a little forward. Unless we are talking about performing the Classic Pass the card should just be pressing up against the fleshy pad of the pinky. Hope this helps. Welcome to Theory11!!!

 

[Lord Magic]

Hi. New here to Theory11 and the magic world. Been practicing some basic moves over the last two months. My best trick so far has been driving my girlfriend crazy, but she's been a good sport so far.

I have a simple issue with a pinky break. I've built up enough pinky strength to do the pinky count and when I catch a break this way, even to the middle of the deck, I have no problem hiding it from the front view. However, when I do a swing cut and try to catch a pinky break to setup a force shuffle move you can see the disturbance at the front of the deck where I'm holding the break. I'm not sure why this is happening. I can't seem to square up the deck to make it invisible.

Thanks for any advice!

It happens to everyone and never will you ever see a 100% perfect pinky break. It is just that some people have a problem that seems to shout out "PINKY BREAK" while for some people there's just a tell-tale line at the front of the deck where the break is held.
For advice on the break, just what everyone says, keep the pinky as less as possible inside the deck. Or hold the pinky a little more back.
But I would say that even a simple move like a pinky break takes a lot of time to look great. And especially these small moves are the ones that require the most practice. And you have been in magic for 2 months I guess you said.
So I'd say rather than getting hyped about the break showing, practice your sleights such that you do them with all your body, your fingers, your hands, your shoulders, your torso, not just your fingers. Then you'll find that your body posture naturally hides a break. And honeslty, a break is never held when someone is glaring down and burning your hands.
Keep practising, a great break will come only with practice. 2 months is just not enough. Your hands will get it soon.

 

[NonObserver]

Thanks for the responses. I'll keep fiddling with everything. I'm having a lot of fun with this stuff and I know it's going to take time. It wouldn't be as satisfying if all of this could be mastered over night

 

[Al e Cat Dabra]

Some good advice has been given above. To add my two cents, I would also suggest that you tilt the cards downward a bit in the front. That way it will be harder for anyone to see any imperfection of separation, as they will be looking at a downward angle - their angle of vision being more on the top of the deck, rather than a horizontal angle from across or below the deck.

 

[oscar.abraham]

If you keep your pinky break (just the tip of the flesh) further back, near the inner right corner (fifth of an inch maybe) and bevel the deck just a tiny bit to the left (not too much), and cover the front end of the deck with the forefinger, with the tip pointing to the outer right corner (basic mechanics grip), you'll see that it is a little less noticeable. However, you're not suppose to hold the deck stiff in your hands so the whole audience can see it closely; you need to move your hands naturally - relax them, let them fall naturally to the side of your body, etc.

Hope this helps.