I was wondering if anyone has any good stories about injurying themselves with cards. I thought of this when after a few days of practicing flourishes my left hand started to hurt.
Maybe I should slow it down a notch!
Desmanthus

Stories? Yes.

Good? No.


;)

One time many years ago, I was practicing throwing cards at a poster on my wall and my brother walked in, and the next card I threw hit him right in the eye. I freaked out pretty bad, luckily there was no real damage.

When first learning split fans and single productions, I literally practiced until my hand bled! Actually, this is a pretty universal experience, among those who practice this sort of thing. The edge of the cards rub against the inside of the little finger and will create kind of a "paper cut". Also there can be an abrasion to the first knuckle of the second finger. Over time, you will develop a callous ... the mark of the true split fan addict!

Lets see I have

-given myself paper cuts, and smashed my head on a table while practicing the one handed shuffle (dropped cards and while getting up smashed my head)

-have had a spectator throw a card in my eye (was teaching the audience a simple card throw after doing a demonstration)

-wrist was hurt (not too bad but I wasn't doing any card work for like a week) when a spectator violently tried to yank a deck out of my hand to inspect it without asking first

lots of other stuff that I care not to mention or remember, the above is just the beginning, I have the worst luck out of anyone I know sometimes...

A really nasty paper cut while practicing the Spread Cull. Weeks later, I found I was not alone. Magician Gurn Blandston of Iowa experienced the same thing and we exchanged survivor stories.

Seriously, cramping does tend to creep up when you practice for long periods of time. I find what also starts happening is my grip on the cards will loosen, or cards will spring or fall.

The best way to avoid injuries is
a) get a good Magician's Insurance Policy, and
b) practice in increments of time to perserve your muscles.

Mike Mason

Just don't try to swallow an entire deck of cards.

Not even for a dare.

Trust me.

Repetition for emphasis? Was it really that bad? I think I am safe because I can't even fit a mini-pack of cards in my mouth!

My worst injury? Wrist cramp from learning the Topshot. I couldn't write for a while.

re;
The best way to avoid injuries is
a) get a good Magician's Insurance Policy, and
b) practice in increments of time to perserve your muscles.

I can't see how having an insurance policy can help you AVOID injuries.

Repetitive action syndrome (sometimes goes under other names) should be taken seriously. It's pointless mastering a move only to find in a few years it's too painful to do it! Some of you guys should take it far easier. At least break for lunch!

Paul Hallas.

I once bottom palmed a deck of jumbo playing cards.......I couldn't walk for three days.

Dealing Poker (as well as doing abnormal things with my hands like all magicians do) gave me carpel tunnel and radial ulnar syndrome. Arms and wrists hurt on a daily basis. What we do for magic.