The Cheating Gambler
Hey everyone!
I've been working on The Cheating Gambler effect lately.
I'm really stuck on the Hamman Count. Even though I have several books that explain the finger placement and handling, I'm having trouble getting it smooth.
Do you know any alternative moves for the Hamman Count? I've read about doing an 'elevator shuffle' somewhere, but I like that less.
I don't know, maybe it's just a matter of practice, practice, and more practice.
All the best!
Hey there,
You might want to check out Gabi Pareras' version; it really simplifies the technical handling (and only uses 6 cards).
You can find the full method for this version in Card Magic Routines (a Gkaps DVD).
Cheers!
I do the routine exactly as Gabi teaches it (I actually have that class, lol) with a much simpler handling than how Pepe Carrol did it, for example.
If you watch Gabi's routine closely, you'll easily grasp how it's done.
That said, you really have to commit when performing it for people, because you have to execute a six-card lift and a lap.
Thanks, Willy and Ruben, you guys are awesome!
Thanks, Josep, Ruben, and Willy, for all your advice and time.
His release is so clean I can't even see when he does it, not even in slow motion. I figure he executes it while showing the bottom cards.
I don't have any problems with the 6 lift. I'll practice the release to make it invisible, just like the great Gabi does.
Cheers,
A while back, I posted some videos on Telegram demonstrating the ditch for this very effect. I'm not sure if you were on the channel.
Hey there, David,
I'd recommend dedicating time to practicing and refining the technique until it feels natural and silent. When it's well executed, the effect comes across much cleaner and more impactful than if you resort to alternative or more visible solutions. In card magic, the clarity of the effect often stems precisely from the precision in technical details.
You also have the option of using the count, but by introducing a brief pause at the critical moment of the move. In Cartomagia Fundamental (page 263), Vicente Canuto explains several useful tips for those moments when the execution doesn't yet flow completely naturally. These are small justifications or misdirection techniques that let you catch your breath for a second without the audience sensing anything amiss.
For example, if the cards are Jokers, you can pose a question to the audience:
“What would you call these cards?”
While someone responds, you can add something like:
“Jokers… really, the name doesn't matter.”
That brief exchange buys you a momentary pause. By pointing to someone or directing your gaze toward a spectator, you subtly shift the focus of attention. A well-utilized gaze creates a perceptual blind spot: the audience follows your attention, not your hands. In that almost invisible window, the deceptive move is covered much more naturally thanks to misdirection.
I hope you find this useful.