Ebook - Jerry Mentzer - Counts Cuts Moves & Subtlety

Unlock the Secrets of Card Manipulation

Step into the intricate world of card magic with Jerry Mentzer's 'Counts, Cuts, Moves & Subtlety,' an essential digital ebook for anyone passionate about card artistry. Designed specifically for tricks involving small packets of cards, this comprehensive guide offers a deep dive into the fundamental techniques that form the backbone of countless illusions. Whether you're just starting your journey in card magic or you're an experienced practitioner looking to polish your repertoire, this ebook provides invaluable instruction.

Master Core Techniques & Deceptive Moves

Mentzer expertly breaks down a wide array of basic counts and maneuvers. You'll gain mastery over iconic techniques such as the Elmsley Count, Jordan Count, Haback Count, and Spirit Count, each presented with clarity and precision. Beyond fundamental counts, the book explores crucial moves like the Biddle Move, the Flushtration Move, and the renowned Ascanio Spread, teaching you how to conceal cards convincingly and create astonishing effects. Learn various undercuts, reversals, and changes, allowing you to control and transform cards with effortless grace.

From Beginner to Expert: Your Definitive Guide

What makes 'Counts, Cuts, Moves & Subtlety' truly stand out is its accessibility for all skill levels. The content starts with foundational concepts, patiently guiding beginners through each step, while also offering advanced variations and subtleties that will challenge and inspire seasoned magicians. Larry West, a master of false counting, penned the introduction, affirming the book's vital role in any card magician's library. With 79 clear photographs illustrating every move across 73 meticulously typeset pages, understanding and executing these techniques becomes straightforward.

Comprehensive Content Overview

Delve into chapters covering 'Undercuts & Reversals' (Double Undercut, Braue Reversal), 'Counts, Moves and Subtlety' (Biddle Move, Hammon Count, Veeser Count, Haback Count, Olram Subtlety, Downs Change), 'Elmsley, Jordan, Etc.' (Elmsley Count, Jordan Count, Siva Count, Spirit Count), and 'Spreads' (Simple Spread, Ascanio Spread). This ebook is your definitive resource for building a strong foundation and expanding your skill set in packet card magic, ensuring your performances are always captivating and mystifying.

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Original Specs

Here at long last is a book of basic counts, moves and maneuvers that are used primarily in tricks with small packets of cards. If you know nothing of basic card magic, this book will instruct you. Many of the basic counts such as the Elmsley Count, Jordan Count, Haback Count, Spirit Count, etc. are described. The Ascanio Spread and many other moves and false counts are also included.

This book is intended as a basic book for the card man -- experienced as well as beginner. The book is typeset, perfect bound, and is illustrated with 79 clear photographs. 73 pages. Larry West wrote the introduction to the book-he was the false countingest guy of which we know. He said that the book fills a real need.

Contents Include: 

Introduction by Larry West

Chapter 1: Undercuts & Reversals:

• Double Undercut: control to top or bottom
• Braue Reversal: reverse one or more cards
• Concealed Reversal: addition to Braue Reversal

Chapter 2: Counts, Move and Subtlety:

• The Biddle Move (Elmer Biddle): remove one card from a group while counting
• Hammon Count (Brother John Hammon): Switch one packet for another while counting
• Veeser Count (Bob Veeser): variation of the Elmsley Count
• Another Count: conceal bottom card of four
• Flushtration Move (Brother John Hammon): apparently show all backs
• Haback Count (Phil Goldstein AKA Max Maven): Show 5 as five, but some hidden
• Olram Subtlety (Ed Marlo): Show cards while hiding one
• Downs Change (T. Nelson Downs): change of one card for another
• True or False (Jack Chanin): false count

Chapter 3: Elmsley, Jordan, Etc.

• The Elmsley Count (Alex Elmsley): Also known as the "Ghost Count", Counting 4 as 4.
• The Jordan Count (Charles T. Jordan): another 4 as 4 count
• The Siva Count (Jack Avis): conceals center card of a 5 card packet
• Open Count (John Murray): conceal 3rd card of 4
• Smile Count (Larry West): conceals 3 card surfaces in packet of 4
• Pairs Count (Larry West): variation of Smile Count
• The Spirit Count (Gene Castillon): a "2 and 2" count for packet of 4

Chapter 4: Spreads

• The Simple Spread: keeping a card concealed as packet is spread
• The Back Spread: backs up
• Buckle Count: using a buckling of the fingers
• Ascanio Spread (Arturo de Ascanio): concealing a card in a fair looking spread
• Details; Counts, Cuts, Moves And Subtlety - A Book of Basic Card Techniques