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epsilon97 Regular user 178 Posts |
I really have a hard time pulling down these cards one at a time. Do you have any tips for getting better at this?
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MasterGrip New user 62 Posts |
Practise
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Terrible Wizard Inner circle 1973 Posts |
I'm working on the pinky count too . I have a much easier time if: the cards are in the correct hand placement/grip; b) my thumb is slightly higher up and farther over than normal, and exerts pressure - some of the work of 'releasing' a card up at the corner seems to come from the thumb working in combination with the pinky; c) the deck is slightly bevel led and inched a tiny bit clockwise; d) the right part of the pinky pad is being used (find the most sensitive part for you).
The rest just seems like lots and lots of practise. Ive made clear progress over this week, where I've been devoting some hours every day to it. I imagine that in a few months I'll have got it, and then will just work on honing it and toning it. Good luck! |
magicfish Inner circle 7004 Posts |
Darwin Ortiz At the Card Table.
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kShepher Elite user Washington, DC 470 Posts |
It took me a while to realize it REALLY is a light touch.....just like they say. Inner phalanx of the little finger and the thumb.
I hate having to rely on either. I'm old....and find both totally unreliable. There are other ways. Kevin |
Wordsworth Veteran user 324 Posts |
I remember someone, I believe Jason Ladanye in Confident Deceptions, suggesting that you walk around with the deck in hand and just continually practice the move while you're going about your usual day. I've heard similar advice in regards to coin palming, and this makes sense to me. That said, this move is definitely not one of my strong points, and I too struggle with it.
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ThomasJ Special user Chicago 999 Posts |
Practice is key, as usual. When I initially started practicing it, I was trying to isolate most of the movement to the pinky. However, the thumb and base of the index are very important, too. I treat it more like a "thumb pushdown". A downward pressure is exerted and the cards just spring off the pinky. This also enables the plane of the cards to remain relatively flat rather than bow down at the pinky corner. Care must be taken to reduce the tension in your hand and avoid weird contortions of the fingers.
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MartinW New user 1 Post |
Quote:
On Dec 4, 2017, ThomasJ wrote: Care must be taken to reduce the tension in your hand and avoid weird contortions of the fingers. I feel like this is key a good pinky count. I found that your ability to exert pressure will increase over time, so just keep practicing and you will be able to do it while keeping hand tension to a minimum. That being said, I'm far from perfection. |
ThomasJ Special user Chicago 999 Posts |
As Terrible Wizard said, a bevel helps. Bevel it to the left without the help of the right hand, in much the same way that you'd turn a break into a step (but without break this time). Martin is right in that it will just take time. Try to pinky count the whole deck. You'll find it easier and easier, and getting the first 2-3 cards will eventually be no problem. You'll reach a point where a 2-3 card count will be automatic with one motion rather than counting cards individually.
If all you need is a break under 1 card, avoid the pinky count and look up Lin Searles automatic break. |
jaschris Loyal user 223 Posts |
I had tried on and off over the years to learn the pinky count but was not hugely successful until I received a great tip from David Williamson. In addition to the all important bevel and downward pressure of the thumb, try the following. Hold cards in mechanic's grip. Put the ring finger under the deck and then practice riffling down deck with pinky. Once you become able to riffle with pinky at a controlled speed (many hours I will say) you can return your ring finger to the side of the deck and you will notice that it will happily rest along the side of the deck as you pinky count. This tip enabled me to get a functional pinky count down in a short time period. That was a few years back. Now, I can pinky count very well...in my humble estimation. Not that I would ever need it but I can now pinky count the whole deck.
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Terrible Wizard Inner circle 1973 Posts |
Nice tips
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