What do you do when someone asks to shuffle while you're doing a false shuffle or control?

One line I often use is, "Easy there, don't mess with this one, it's brand new!" And if they insist, I just hand them another deck and say, "Here, you can shuffle this one instead!" :crazy_face:

My approach to eliminating suspicion in effects that require controlling a card (usually the spectator's selection) in situations like these is to first try to get a glimpse of that card. Then, I let them shuffle as much as they want until they get bored (sometimes I'll even jokingly tell them we don't have all day, and that no matter how much they shuffle, the card will still be lost since we didn't give it a GPS... etc.). Once they hand the deck back, I spread it on the table or in my hands, then cut right to their selection to bring it to the top or bottom, depending on what I need, and continue with the effect.

If someone notices I've cut and calls me out on it, the excuse is already baked in: 'Well, you always have to cut the deck after a shuffle!'

I don't know if this is the best idea, but it's certainly saved me from those uncomfortable situations. And once the effect plays well under these circumstances, if you do another one, most people usually don't insist on shuffling again (though there's always that one wise guy!).

Hope this helps! All the best.

Hey there, @Luis64!

Right off the bat, with a top control and a palm, you're all set. You can hand them the deck and let them shuffle it all they want.

There are also bottom controls with palms.

You've also got other palms, like the TCP (Tamariz Perpendicular Control), for when they want to "lose" it themselves in the middle of the deck.

For me, the most comfortable and easiest (as of today) is a top palm.

@JCMAGIC:

You can use one I do, which is “Don't even touch it, it's a new deck!” And if they insist, I hand them another deck and say, “Here, you shuffle too!” :crazy_face:

😂 😂 😂

I usually ask if their hands are clean and to show them to me, while I execute the palm at that precise moment.

@Vampi:

I usually try to get a glimpse of that card,

That's a classic and, without a doubt, a very effective method.

Another really good one is "the sticky key card."

What's that, you ask? Well, it's a key card with a bit of double-sided tape. The spectator's card sticks to this one, and then the spectator can cut and shuffle "all they want" (up to a point, and be careful with Faro shuffles or 'strip-out shuffles').

This way, by feel, we can find the card without any problem.

If you're looking for a laugh, maybe just tell the truth...HAHAHA

NOOOO, don't shuffle it, or the trick won't work! 😆

Hey there! Personally, I get ahead of that situation. Before the spectator even thinks to ask, I hand them the deck and tell them to shuffle freely and stop whenever they like. To do this, I always have a self-working (or mathematical) routine ready that requires no controls or sleights, as part of the effects I'll be performing. And that's exactly the routine I offer the spectator to do themselves. This way, they're pleased and satisfied for the rest of the show, and the "need" to ask me to hand them the deck for shuffling won't come up again. That interaction has already taken place, easing their "anxiety" and suspicion that the magician is manipulating the cards at will. Cheers!

Thanks, everyone.

Regards,

You're right. Thanks.

Don't forget a simple technique: the Cull.

Cheers,

You can get ahead of things and open with a trick where you can let the spectator shuffle the deck. Personally, I like to use a sandwich routine (if using a Stebbins stack), and that way you'll know the spectator's card without needing to see it directly. I consider this method better because it truly allows you to give them complete freedom when shuffling.

@corderolosada:

Don't forget about a simple technique: the Cull

What exactly is the Cull? Can you tell me more about it?