Playing Cards Sticking Together Overhand Shuffle Problems

Garry writes: 'This will sound strange, I am struggling at the moment with doing THE RUN, when doing an overhand shuffle. Sometimes I pull off two cards instead of one.'

Any sleight of hand is a battle! Without knowing the state of the deck you are using it is difficult to tell what is going on, it could be the pressure you are applying being too much. Try slowing everything down and being as smooth as you can. With the overhand shuffle it is always the goal to only use the amount of pressure you need for a move and no more.

A dirty overhand shuffle?

It may also be that he cards you are using have been bent or dropped and picked up dirt and dust, or even skin oils can sometimes affect the card's manipulability (I think I just made that word up!). Always make sure your hands are clean (I am not saying you are dirty!) and dry when practicing. You can always wipe over the cards with a dry cloth to remove any dirt, it sounds silly but grains of dirt (if the deck has been dropped on the floor) can get between cards and create more friction which will cause them to want to grip together, this is particularly apparent when fanning cards.

Dropping your playing cards

If you drop a deck of cards on the floor, try using a corner of a card to scoop them up so that you do not put pressure on them, rub them against the floor (they do not like that!) and bend them unnecessarily (they like that even less!). That is a great tip that will lengthen the lifespan of your cards

This might also help: 10 Tips to make your your playing cards last longer

How to be the Best Magician at School

by Dominic Reyes 1 Comment

By Ben Williams

Matthew asks: How do I prove I am the best magician in school?

We recently had this question come in from one of our customers and it raised a great point for us. Due to the increase in the popularity of magic, students are likely to encounter other people at school that also study the art of magic. What should you do if this situation arises?

I think it is very important to consider why you are asking this question. There really is no way to prove you are the best. However:

Your thoughts shouldn't be about how you can be the best magician,

it should be on how to give the best possible experience to someone else.

If you concentrate on making sure you are personable, friendly, non egotistical, and you also practice hard, everything will fall into place. It will become known that you are skilled in all aspects of performing, and presenting magic. You will be able to give your spectators the best experience, and as a result, you won't have to feel like you have something to prove.

School can be competitive. Try not to get sucked into the 'I'm better than you game'. Rise above comments like this. Concentrate on what you are doing, and what you love. It doesn't matter what they think, just keep giving, and respect will fall your way.

Everyone is different.

It is up to the audience to decide whom they like, and people's opinions are different. Some people like chalk, and some people like cheese, it is the way of the world. You cannot please everyone, so even if someone prefers another magician at school over you it doesn't matter. There are billions of people in the world, so there are many more you can please!

What to say.

I understand that this can be a tough situation, but the best thing you can do for you and your magic, is to not get bogged down with it. If someone says they are better than you, simply say, 'ok, that's good!' if it doesn't rattle you, or bother you, then there is no ammo for them anymore . They will realise they are not in a race or competition with you.

If someone says 'so and so is better than you' just say, 'that's cool, they practice lots, I'll keep going though!' Statements like that pop their bubble and there is nowhere for them to go. People only make statements like that to get a reaction, and if it doesn't bother you then they realise they cannot affect you. They may even respect you more for remaining kind about the other person.

The best piece of advice I can give you is to stay true to yourself. Keep practicing your magic. Focus on what you love (even if it isn't magic), and don't worry about other people and what they are doing. Build a magic act with magic tricks that work well together, and focus on your own development. You will soon see that it really doesn't matter who is the best magician.

What Should Magicians Do If They Drop Playing Cards Whist Performing a Magic Trick?

by Merchant of Magic Leave a Comment

It doesn’t matter how much you practice, how hard you routine your magic tricks, or how often you perform, sooner or later you will drop some playing cards, fumble with a prop, or knock something over.

Dominic Reyes recorded this short video about how to deal with situations just like this:

The secret is simple: Don’t stop and draw attention to it.

Spectators take cues from you about how to react and behave. If you communicate that it’s no big deal, that’s how it will be perceived.

Just acknowledge that it has happened, show that it’s no big deal, with a smile, and carry on with your trick. If you really do have to stop and pick up an item you have dropped, make sure you don’t stop ‘the action’. Ask the spectators a question, tell a short anecdote, anything to stop the moment becoming ‘dead time’.

How to deal with magic tricks going wrong.

How to use a ‘Magicians Out’.

Help! – My magic secrets been exposed.

 How to reduce your nerves when performing magic tricks.