Counts, Cuts, Moves and Subtlety

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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

Details: ©1977 by Jerry Mentzer, Introduction by Larry West
Size 5 /12 by 8 1/2, 73 pages perfect bound, soft cover.

This is an excellent book about many of the basic moves used in card magic.

Over 70 black and white photos throughout.

Our BEST Seller with over 50,000 copies in Print!

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Customer Reviews (showing 1 - of 8)

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Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on April 2nd, 2010

(This review is for Counts, Cuts, Moves and Subtlety)

If I had a nickel for every time I see someone complaining about how hard the Elmsley Count is I would be rich...well maybe not rich but enough money to buy a new Cups and Balls set! These Elmsley-challenged folk need this little gem of a book to get them up and over the learning curve.

For some, false counts come naturally. For others, they try and move on. False counts are a staple move in packet tricks and every cardician should know the basic counts. Counts can be quite challenging but with enough practice and this book, you'll handle any count; easy breezy!

Counts Cuts Moves and Subtlety by Jerry Mentzer is a reference guide. Copyright in 1977, this small book is on it's 14th printing. Although I don't own anything else by Jerry, he appears to be a prolific author on magical topics including the book on Card To Wallet.

You'll find no tricks in this book. However, learn the moves in this book and I'll bet you could create some great, original packet tricks in no time. Combine these moves with an assortment of specialty gaffed cards and you're creative juices will be flowing. Here is a little video review to go along with this blog review.

Degree of Difficulty

Intermediate to expert. Some people think learning the Elmsey is easy and some think it is hard. I think it's kind of in the middle. Easy to learn, hard to perfect. I learned the Elmsley Count in a couple days but it took countless evenings in front of the TV, doing hundreds of Elmsley/Jordan sequences, to execute these counts with confidence under pressure. There is a ton of good material in this book.

Production

The book is has excellent written instructions on the moves and ample photos of the key hand positions during the move. Mentzer does a good job of crediting each move to it's creator and sometimes the trick in which the move was first made popular. If you're into packet tricks or looking for some material to get the creative process going this is a no-brainer purchase.

3 of 3 magicians found this helpful.