Take the pack in the right hand, between the thumb and forefinger towards the upper part of the cards, as in Fig. 36.
1.
The second and fourth finger are, as shown in the figure, bent behind the pack, while the third finger remains
extended ready to perform its duty, for upon this particular finger the greater part of the operation rests. In fact, the very moment that you exhibit the cards to the spectators, as in the figure, you commence the following manipulation:-
Secretly introduce the third finger between the cards so as to divide them into two pretty nearly equal portions.
1.
Sharply press the lower packet against the second and fourth fingers, which are behind it.
2.
As soon as the pack is fairly clipped, as in a forceps, between the three
last-mentioned fingers, slightly raise the front packet so that the forefinger which holds it may offer no obstacle to the outward passage of the hinder cards, and at the same moment compel the two packets to move simultaneously in opposite directions, the one to the right, the other to the left.
(In order that the reader may be better enabled to comprehend this movement, we give a sketch of it in Fig. 37. It will be observed that the front packet is held between the forefinger and thumb, while the hindmost is clipped between the third and the two other fingers-viz.., the middle and fourth fingers.)
3.
Quickly join the two packets in one, introducing what was originally the front packet between the other packet and the two fingers which are below it, as in 4.
The Single-Handed Pass made with the Tips of the Fingers
Fig. 38.
This done, remove the first finger and thumb, and replace them in their original position, as in Fig. 36.
It will, perhaps, scarcely be believed that these different movements, so numerous and so complicated in appearance, can be executed as to form one only, and so as to be practically invisible. But it should at the same time be mentioned that this pass, however dexterously executed, would always be perceptible, but that it is covered by a very natural movement. After having shown the front card, as in Fig. 36, you place the pack either in the left hand or on the table, and in the course of the transit the pass is made; this movement of the pack from place to place rendering the manipulation invisible.*
*This pass is most conveniently used with fifteen or sixteen cards only (about half of the piquet pack), and for passing a single card, or some very small number of cards, say four, from back to front. It may be used either with the right or left hand. As the author has not given, among the tricks which follow, any instance of its use, I quote by way of illustration the following passage from the excellent series of papers on "Sleight-of. Hand" by Edwin Sachs (published at the Bazaar Office, 3a, Wellington Street, Strand):-
"Place secretly at the bottom of the pack" (of fourteen or fifteen cards) "three of any denomination of card, say the fours. At the front place the other four, which suppose to be the four of clubs, and request one of the audience to say into which other suit the card shall change. You will know the order in which the three fours at the back are placed, so you will only have to place the third finger beneath the one named and pass it to the front. If it is the actual top card. you will bring it forward alone: but if it is the second or third, those above it must come forward as well. As this pass cannot be effected without noise, it is always best to pretend to pass the card chosen as the one into which the original four is to change, from some cards held in the other hand. Ruffle these cards with the thumb, and say, "Did you not hear it go?" The slight noise heard will be accounted for by the cards passing from one pack to the other....
But the best trick performed by means of this pass is by the aid of two duplicate cards, say the knave of clubs and the ace of hearts. A pack must be held in each hand. At the top of the right-hand pack put the ace, and at the bottom the knave. At the top of the left-hand pack put the knave, and at the bottom the ace. The cards at the top are placed there secretly, those at the bottom openly before the audience. Hold the faces of the packs towards the audience, and calling
particular attention to the position of the cards, say that you will make them change places. Turn the packs face downwards with a flourish executing the pass with both hands, saying, 'Presto! Pass! Did not you see them go?" On holding the cards up again, it will be seen that the knave has gone over to the left-hand pack, and the ace to the right-hand one."--ED.
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5.
The Single-Handed Pass made with the Tips of the Fingers
The Single-Handed Pass made with the Tips of the Fingers
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