I’m asked… I’ve recently learned the double lift and Elmsley count. But I have a HUGE problem with flashing the cards and ruining the trick.
I’m asked…
I’ve recently learned the double lift and Elmsley count. But I have a HUGE problem with flashing the cards and ruining the trick. I’m thinking about trying some roughing powder to make the cards easier to handle, but am not sure if this will solve my problem or make it worse. Also, I find that using brand new cards make it a lot more likely to flash the cards, but I also want to stay away from older decks that look too beat up. Is there anything I can buy to solve this problem?
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Hey Sean,
It’s always great to hear from you! So I have to tell you that I was having the same problem you are when I first picked up double lifts and especially the Elmsley count. Brand new cards tend to slip and older cards tend to bend and flash. Roughing powder/spray will actually make it tougher in my opinion to pull these moves off and will tip your audience that something funny is going on if you hand out the cards for inspection. My best advice for you is to make sure that your hands are nice and dry when performing. You’ll find new cards will behave a little better in dry hands. But what you really have to do is practice like crazy until you can control those moments when you know flashing of a card might happen. There was a time when I was convinced this was not possible with finely waxed new cards, but believe me when I tell you that one day you’ll be practicing and hit that sweet spot where you’ll have total control of all the cards (regardless of a new deck or not) and KNOW that flashing is not going to happen. When it came to the Elmsley count during practice I tried varying the position of my hands and fingers when holding the cards and eventually found that a little pressure with my fingers during “the move” and changing the way I was holding the cards brought everything into that sweet spot. I now prefer new decks of cards when performing as it is easier to control a deck when the cards slide easily.
With double lifts, I would also suggest trying different amounts of pressure and hand orientations. Try pushing the double lifted cards against the meat of your hand right below your thumb when showing the top card and practice shaking your hand while holding it to convince yourself that it will not flash and give yourself a little more confidence when performing.
Finally, you can always rely on a little misdirection when performing any trick to take the heat off your hands. Look the spectator in the eyes and make a comment during an especially “difficult” move to draw their eyes away or even look away yourself - drawing attention and heat away from your hands.
I’m sorry I have no specific products to offer that may have helped in your troubles. It seems in this instance practice really is your best bet along with varying your technique to find that sweet spot. BTW..I wouldn’t suggest plastic cards. They are generally a little tougher and grittier, but really feel different and may draw unneeded attention to the deck after a performance when handing out the cards for inspection. I look forward to hearing from you again!
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Chris (Owner, Infinity Magic)
http://InfinityMagic.com