Basic Card Skills
Overhand Shuffle
Difficulty level: 1
Being able to execute an overhand shuffle with cards is a basic, elementary skill. However, for those who my not be able to do it smoothly, this video shows some tips.
Riffling the cards
Difficulty level: 1
Riffling the cards is a basic action, but needs to be done in a smooth, controlled manner. It will be used in a variety of routines to have cards selected. There is also a Riffle Force described later in the Card Forces section.
Various grips with a deck of cards
Difficulty level: 1
This video covers the positions of the overhand shuffle, dealing grip, and biddle grip.
Riffle Shuffle & Waterfall flourish
Difficulty level: 2
The Riffle Shuffle is familiar to many, however with this version, it can be done in the hands, rather than against a table. It is followed by the Waterfall Flourish, which makes the shuffle look much more accomplished.
Hindu Shuffle
Difficulty level: 1
The Hindu Shuffle is a common method for mixing cards. See also the Hindu Force in the Card Forces section.
Faro Shuffle
Difficulty level: 2
The Faro shuffle is another way to mix cards, which can be used in conjunction with the Waterfall Flourish.
The Dribble
Difficulty level: 1
The dribble is a way of controlling the way the cards fall from one hand to another. It is often used to have the audience select a card without touching the deck.
'James Bond' Spread & Turnover
Difficulty level: 1
Thumb Fan
Difficulty level: 2
Closing The Fan
Difficulty level: 2
Charlier Cut
Difficulty level: 2
Invented by Chalier in the late 1800s, the Charlier Cut or Charlier Pass, as it is sometimes referred to, is a one handed cut of the deck, which many magicians still use today as a flourish. It also has magical applications in routines as well, which we will put up within Magic School soon.
Springing The Cards / Russian Shuffle
Difficulty level: 3
The Break
Difficulty level: 2