Royal Road to Card Magic The

finger curling at the top (figure 40).

    2. Place the pack in the crotch of the left hand, the tip of the left thumb resting on the inner left corner at the back, the index finger slanting diagonally across the face of the pack.
    3. Bend the cards downwards over the left index finger and spread them in a fan by sweeping the right hand in a circle to the right, allowing the cards to slip from under the fingertips (figure 41).

    This handsome flourish is useful in offering the cards for choice.

CHAPTER 4

The Glide

    This sleight is one of the easiest and most useful to the card magician. In its original form it was used merely to substitute one card for another, but other excellent uses have evolved, some of which we shall describe. The basic action of the glide is this.
    1. Hold a pack of cards face downwards in the left hand - the thumb at one side, the fingers at the other - its outer side pressing against the middle phalanx of the index finger, near the outer left corner, and the first (innermost) phalanx of the little finger. Rest the tip of the ring finger lightly against the middle of the face card. The third (outermost) phalanxes of the index and middle fingers are bent inwards but take no part in the action to follow.
    2. Press backwards with the tip of the ring finger, forcing the bottom card back about 25 mm (1 in) and making it protrude beyond the inner end of the deck (figure 42). From above the cards appear to be in normal position, the protruding card being concealed by the back of the hand.

    3. Bring the right hand palm upwards over to the deck, press its middle fingertip against the outer end of the second lowermost card, which is now exposed, and draw this card outwards about 25 mm (1 in), then seize and remove it with the aid of the thumb. Finally, move the left little finger backwards and with it press the protruding card flush with the deck.
    A little practice will show that the sleight is an easy one to do, yet it must be performed smoothly and without looking at the hands.
    To illustrate the uses to which the glide can be put, we shall describe first an extraordinarily effective trick known as Design for Laughter.
    Design for Laughter
    This is a trick in which the magician appears unknowingly to have made a mistake that ensures the failure of his feat. The more certain the spectators are of this, the more they enjoy his predicament and the more astonished and appreciative they are when the trick proves to be successful after all.
    1. First shuffle the pack, then have a spectator choose a card freely. Have him show the card to everyone while you turn your head away. This is important, for all must know the card or they will not enjoy the feat. Next have the card replaced and control it to the top of the deck by means of the overhand shuffle control. Finally shuffle the chosen card to the bottom and leave it there.
    2. Place the deck on the table before you and announce what you propose to do somewhat after this style. 'One of the most difficult feats with cards is that known as the location by cut. Let me show you what I mean.' Turn to the spectator who chose the card, saying, 'Will you assist me? I must make two conditions, however - first, that you will not at any time name your card or give me any indication that I have discovered it; second, that when you cut the cards, as I shall instruct you, you will say to yourself, “This I cannot fail to do.” That is an application to feats of skill with cards of the principles of eminent French psychologist Dr Coué. It is surprising that, when a person cuts with complete confidence, he will actually cut to a card which he has chosen and which has been shuffled into the pack.'
    3. Gravely describe a circle around the deck with your extended index finger, then move your finger to make a cross above it. 'I now ask you to cut off about one-third of the cards as you say to yourself, “This I cannot fail to do.” Fine! Place the cut here.' Indicate that he is to place the packet to the right of the deck. 'Now cut off about half the remaining cards, using the same formula, and place them to the right of the first cut. Thank you.'
    There are now three packets on the table and the chosen card is at the bottom of the left-hand packet.
    4. Square the packets carefully and continue, 'There can be no doubt that you have cut at your card. However, I cannot know which of the cards is your card, so I must again ask you not to give me any indication by word or