I'm missing an important sleight (the palm) in my arsenal. So I have decided to rectify this promptly!
My initial go-to resource for something like this is Roberto Giobbi's well-known collection. So I started there. Giobbi describes the method beginning on p. 273 of Vol. 2, and he writes:
So that sounded good. Let's see what we get?
First, we get this:
Well, that's not working well...
Then, we get this:
Say what? I tried this. I found it to be about as awkward as anything could be. So now I'm getting frustrated... What to do? Well, Giobbi does footnote Vernon's method and handling, which appears in Vernon's Select Secrets. Perhaps it is time to consult Vernon on the palm? This I do.
All suddenly becomes (or seems to become) clear. Giobbi's handling is found nowhere in Vernon. The thumb motion is clearly described in the pictures Vernon provides. It is not "outward to the right with diagonal pressure..." There is also no stuffing of the top card card into the palm with the other fingers. On the third try, Vernon's method works flawlessly in my hands! The top card springs up into my palm as if by magic. I am amazed at what just happened.
Every time I go back to Vernon or Erdnase, I am amazed by what I learn from these geniuses. I am mind-boggled that Giobbi has mangled Vernon's suggested handling (while citing him!) I'd expect him to have at least indicated that he was offering a modified handling of Vernon's method instead of misleadingly presenting his handling as Vernon's own.
Ok, that said, I'm sure many of you are experienced with this move. Do you prefer Giobbi's suggested handling (which is manifestly not Vernon's suggested handling?) Or do you prefer Vernon's? In your opinion, has Giobbi improved upon Vernon's handling, or is Vernon's handling the better of the two? I currently favor Vernon's handling, and have practiced it a fair bit. In a few months, I think I'll be pretty proficient. But should I look closer at Giobbi's handling before I over-practice Vernon's?
My initial go-to resource for something like this is Roberto Giobbi's well-known collection. So I started there. Giobbi describes the method beginning on p. 273 of Vol. 2, and he writes:
This method and handling were first described in print by the legendary card expert Dai Vernon. Although it was developed many years ago, it remains the best method for palming a card off the top of the deck.
So that sounded good. Let's see what we get?
First, we get this:
Push the top card outward to the right with diagonal pressure from your left thumb.
Well, that's not working well...
Then, we get this:
As you lift the deck [into elevated dealing position], press the tips of your left middle and ring fingers against the face of the top card, pushing it completely up into your right palm.
Say what? I tried this. I found it to be about as awkward as anything could be. So now I'm getting frustrated... What to do? Well, Giobbi does footnote Vernon's method and handling, which appears in Vernon's Select Secrets. Perhaps it is time to consult Vernon on the palm? This I do.
All suddenly becomes (or seems to become) clear. Giobbi's handling is found nowhere in Vernon. The thumb motion is clearly described in the pictures Vernon provides. It is not "outward to the right with diagonal pressure..." There is also no stuffing of the top card card into the palm with the other fingers. On the third try, Vernon's method works flawlessly in my hands! The top card springs up into my palm as if by magic. I am amazed at what just happened.
Every time I go back to Vernon or Erdnase, I am amazed by what I learn from these geniuses. I am mind-boggled that Giobbi has mangled Vernon's suggested handling (while citing him!) I'd expect him to have at least indicated that he was offering a modified handling of Vernon's method instead of misleadingly presenting his handling as Vernon's own.
Ok, that said, I'm sure many of you are experienced with this move. Do you prefer Giobbi's suggested handling (which is manifestly not Vernon's suggested handling?) Or do you prefer Vernon's? In your opinion, has Giobbi improved upon Vernon's handling, or is Vernon's handling the better of the two? I currently favor Vernon's handling, and have practiced it a fair bit. In a few months, I think I'll be pretty proficient. But should I look closer at Giobbi's handling before I over-practice Vernon's?