Magic Video|Mentalism & Hypnosis - Essential Sleights for Mentalists by John Riggs

Unlock the Secrets of Essential Mentalism Sleights

Step into the mind of a master with John Riggs' 'Magic Video: Essential Sleights for Mentalists,' a comprehensive two-hour digital download dedicated to the crucial techniques every working mentalist needs. Originally presented to resounding acclaim at the 1995 Las Vegas Meeting of the Minds, this material isn't just 'useful' or 'handy'—it's absolutely 'essential'. Riggs meticulously covers a toolkit of moves and methods designed not only to enhance your repertoire but also to serve as 'lifesavers' when you find yourself in a tight spot during a performance. With this invaluable knowledge, an almost 'unlimited' assortment of profound mentalism effects becomes possible, elevating your craft to professional levels.

Master Versatile Card & Coin Manipulations

John Riggs demonstrates sleights that transcend typical card magic, proving equally effective with playing cards, index cards, postcards, and even business cards, making your performances adaptable to any setting. Dive deep into a range of critical card controls, including Crimps, Bridges, Nail Nicks, and advanced applications of The Double-Lift and The Key Card. You'll explore various methods to locate and control cards, master the elegant Hofzinser Spread control, and learn the Classic Pass and Turnover Pass for more intricate routines. The video also features a thorough discussion of multiple False Shuffles, suitable for all skill levels, from maintaining a simple red-black setup to preserving a full-deck stack. Beyond cards, Riggs dedicates significant time to coin switches and their practical application within mentalism, alongside an in-depth section on the strategic use of a shiner—showing you how to effortlessly ring this gimmick into and out of play.

Comprehensive Learning & Practice

This digital download provides over two hours of crystal-clear instruction, breaking down complex sleights into easily understandable segments. To further aid your learning, a comprehensive PDF book is included with your download. This companion guide details every technique covered in the video, allowing you to study at your own pace and reference key points as you practice. Whether you're a seasoned mentalist looking to refine your skills or an aspiring performer seeking a rock-solid foundation, John Riggs' 'Essential Sleights' offers the critical insights and practical tools necessary to command your audience's attention and create truly unforgettable moments of apparent mind-reading.

Original Specs

I originally presented this lecture in 1995 at the Las Vegas Meeting of the Minds, and it became apparent to me, due to the enthusiasm with which it was received, it was a topic Mentalists welcomed. I realized I needed far more than the limited time I was allotted to do the topic justice.

In this TWO HOUR discussion, I cover sleights I consider essential to the working Mentalist. Not useful, not handy—but ESSENTIAL. Some of these sleights are lifesavers if you find yourself in a tight corner, and armed with this toolkit of moves and techniques, a virtual unlimited assortment of effects is possible.

The sleights I demonstrate are equally useful with Playing Cards, Index Cards, Postcards, and Business cards. There is also a section on the use of the shiner, and a section on coin sleights. The book is included as a PDF on the DVD. Put it in the drive on your computer, click on the DATA folder, there it is!

On this DVD, I cover:

Crimps and Bridges
Nail Nicks
The Double-Lift and Turnover
The Key Card and how to use it
Various ways to locate and control cards
The Hofzinser Spread control and several variants
The Classic Pass and Turnover Pass for more advanced applications
A variety of False Shuffles for all skill levels and applications, from maintaining a red-black setup to maintaining a full-deck stack.
A thorough discussion of the Henry Hay False Dovetail Shuffle from the Amateur Magician’s Handbook
Coin switches and their application in Mentalism
The use of a shiner and how to ring the gimmick in and out of play

And more, or course.

Run time over two hours.