Elmsley Count
What This Skill Does For You
The Elmsley Count lets you display a small packet of cards while hiding one of them in plain sight. Once you master this move, you can perform dozens of classic card tricks—like the ones where four jokers suddenly turn into four aces—without your audience ever suspecting a thing. It turns a simple count into a powerful tool for visual deception.
How It's Taught
This lesson breaks the technique down into its most important parts: the grip and the friction. You'll learn exactly where to place your thumb and fingers to maintain control of the packet, ensuring the cards stay squared as you count them. The instruction focuses on the mechanics of the movement so you can avoid awkward fumbling and make the count look perfectly natural.
What Level Is This For
This is an intermediate sleight. You don't need to be a pro, but you should be comfortable handling a deck of cards. It takes a bit of repetition to get the rhythm right, so expect to spend some time practicing the movement until the cards move as a single unit without sliding out of place.
About the Instructor
Julio Ribera is a seasoned online instructor who specializes in making complex card magic accessible to everyone. He uses his experience as a digital creator to focus on the specific camera angles and physical cues that help you learn moves quickly and effectively.
What's Included
- The proper finger and thumb grip for maximum control
- How to use friction to keep the packet squared
- The timing required to hide the third card naturally
- Step-by-step breakdown of the counting rhythm
- Tips for keeping your hands firm and the movement clean
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until I can actually use this?
With focused practice, you can get the mechanics down in a single session, but getting the count to look fluid usually takes a few days of consistent practice.
What if I have small or large hands?
The Elmsley Count is versatile. While the instructor uses three fingers to hold the cards, you can adjust which fingers you use to find the grip that feels most stable for your specific hand size.
Is this easier with certain cards?
Standard, new playing cards are best. Fresh cards have the right amount of "snap" and friction, which makes it much easier to keep the packet squared while you learn the movement.
Can I learn this without a teacher watching?
Yes. Since the lesson focuses on the mechanics, you can easily practice in front of a mirror to ensure your angles are covered and the cards remain perfectly aligned.