Justifying Set-Up

Michael Kras · Justifying Set-Up

When I typically work informal walkaround magic situations. I often perform a set based off card tricks. Between each trick, I set-up by quickly spreading through the deck and culling the necessary cards in the deck for the next effect.

However, when I spread through the deck, regardless of the fact that I haven't done any fishy card arranging, people sometimes verbally express the belief that I am "rigging the deck". I am confident with my cull and do not feel poorly executred sleight is the issue.

My question is, how can I justify fiddling with the deck between effects without being redundant or suspicious? Are there more effective ways than culling necessary cards?

Ben Train

yes and no.

Glad to have helped!

Michael Kras

Is this one of those "find the hidden meaning" things, or do you actually have something you'd like to share? Very Happy

Ben Train

it's a find the hidden meaning.

One of my favorite movements in philosophical thought was the relatively recent suggestion that the problem with philosophy wasn't the difficulty of the material it was tackling, but rather the way the questions about these subjects were worded.

They suggested if more consideration was paid to the choice of language, and the questions were more specific (not narrow, but focused) answers would be more clear.

Lets play the magic-equivalent of "where's Waldo?"- how many things are wrong with your initial query, and what can you do to fix them? Once you figure this out answers will start becoming more clear!

Michael Kras

Is there a sleight that can be used to control the necessary cards for a set-up effect in an effective, fast, and natural manner?

Ben Train

Michael Kras

Is there a control that can be used to quickly, efficiently, and naturally bring the cards needed for an effect to the top?

Ben Train

Again, sure.

Look at your questions Mike- is anything required other then a yes no response?

And, more importantly, what is there that shows someone that you've already done research and are in a position that
a) deserves answers and
b) can understand/deal with/appreciate them?

Remember what Vernon said about table manors.

Ben
p.s.
No, I won't explain the last part.

Michael Kras

What control can be used to effectively, quickly, and natrually control the desired cards for an effect to the top of the deck with minimal fishy movement.

Better?

Michael Kras

I've also scowered the great Tarbell Seas and consulted many an Ed Marlo manuscript in search for an answer to my prayers. So far, no success.

Ben Train

Congrats- you read the FIRST SENTENCE OF MY POST.

But what about points a and b?

What I'm trying to show you here is HOW to get info that you want.

I'm not saying anything else tonight, but HOW would you approach this?

Think about it!

Michael Kras

You're the toughest nut I've ever tried to crack, Mr. Train. I'll think about it.

Michael Kras

I've studied a lot of these sorts of things. Current control I use are Marlo's EZ Control, Culling, the Pass, double undercutting, and if the effects I am performing permit me to do so, I often include two set-ups in one deck for effects that will not disturb the deck's order. The most effective is the latter but it only works in certain situations for certain effects, so my back up is usually culling for multiple cards to control. This is done under the guise of spreading through the deck prior to the effect's beginning. This move, although executed in a clean manner, can often raise suspicion and register as a fidgety move with spectators. You're a magician, so lord knows what you can do when you spread a deck of cards, right?

I wish to learn a method that doesn't raise suspicion and requires minimal fiddling and overall moves. I feel it would be beneficial to me because it should enhance the impact of a set of different card effects seemingly done one after another with a normal and unprepared deck. With no sort of visible clutter and set-up, the effects should look all the more magical and impossible than if the magician picks up the deck, spreads through it a few times, and proceeds into the following effect.

Michael Kras

What qualifies me to learn is the fact that I wish to acquire this knowledge as it is currently unknown to me. To learn, it matters not how much you know of a subject, but how little you know.

I will be wise and learn, as opposed to teaching about things I have learned.

Michael Kras

Or perhaps, the willingness and qaulification to learn is just to show true devotion to the topic at hand... to prove what you have learned thus far and to show you wish to extend that knowledge.

Michael Kras

Hello Everyone!

I have tried many different methods of controlling cards I need for an effect in front of spectators, between effects. I have worked hard on thse methods, such as simply culling or using other forms of multiple shifts such as specific cutting, and they all get the job done, but I feel like spectators often consider my fiddling with the deck between effects to be suspicious, despite that I try to make it look as natural and flowing as possible. I have really practiced these methods quite hard for a long time but still don't feel satisfied with them.

What methods are available that reduce the fishy actions and provide a quick and natural looking control or shift? I really want to improve my effect set-up transitions and make the magic I perform more impossible and overall, more magical.

Thank you for your help!

Michael