So we’ve hit a little on the pass being a dumb move. Here is my second favorite. The pinky count, 52 cards style. Yeahhhhhhh I talk about it a lot, but I tend to still be amazed how few use it. Much less with a full deck, which Haters will probably belly ache in the mind more than the pass, but good stuff is good stuff.
I haven’t done this in some time, but……… Stop watch ahoy. I counted all 52 cards in 14 seconds that time. No. That wasn’t to impress anyone, in fact in about a month I feel anyone reading this can do the same, give or take.
I simply want to make a point. In over analyzing the obvious it would take roughly 7 seconds for me to have any top 26 cards in control tops. 50 percent chance of this happening of course. About 4 cards per second. If I start with a break at 26 any card in the deck will be under control in that 7 seconds.
The idea that it takes too long to P count a deck is dead. Also the idea most seem to have is that you’d need to go into a “trance” counting. Vernon says Didilly um dum dumph. Speaking of, in the series Vernon was very impressed by what Brad Berlin could do, to the point of claiming he was the only one at the time to produce the feat of cutting to any four of a kind called for. So it seems it blew Lorayne away with his count also. Anyway….
Back to the blank stare or awkward pauses. As stated in that one case 7 seconds. Who says you need to talk? This is a short time span to simply ask a question. Or, it’s easy to count and speak for a second or two, or even pause a beat or two with a statement. “I hate the music here”"having a good time”"did you know playing cards and Tarot have much in common”. It’s just not a huge problem. Practice will prove easier than the theory.
Onward. I don’t think much anywhere has any advice on the full deck PC. Obviously start to try and get 10 or so. When you can accomplish this, the rest is just as easy.
For the sake of practice put the deck in A-K order from top to bottom. You can find programs that will generate random cards, or even make one yourself. Let’s also assume CHSD from top down. First try and get a division between the C and H. Most that PC I assume get somewhere in 10-20 and muscle the hell out of the deck to no avail. Or, the count begins to fall in clumps. Chances are the count began at the peak of the pinky finger and started to slide down to the front of the finger. Basically without the upper tip “digging in” anymore and the front of the finger just pulling down on all below.
Put the deck at your side naturally. Count 10. While keeping the pinky in the lower corner area use the third finger to hold a small break. This is useful for two reasons. In this if anything goes “sour”, you can easily start again as per the group of 10. Secondly you can adjust the pinky if need be to become the “knife” again. You can look at it as “making a hook”, so the area where the pinky bone ends can riffle off the cards. This can be done every 10. You’ll also notice you can bend all cards below at the break at the time and the pinky becomes more of a gauge, rather than the major movement. The third finger acting as an “oops” insurance, but also it essentally makes whichever area a break is formed a readjustment “service station”. Or looked apon as this point being the same as going off the top of the deck. In my experience the only real problem with speed is losing the tip top area of the pinky.
Impossible to put it all into words. But, practice is fun, and the rewards are worth the effort.
The most simple effect is obviously a non-gaff ID deck. A huge advantage is no visual index is needed. I’ve been called on ID by laymen in my younger years, simply because of the need to look at the cards, and thus they must be in some kind of…..well, you know. Get the card you need and do a Creeping Reverse etc. And no moves are seen, other than an open swing cut on speading the cards on the table, or whatever your pleasure.
Some still may hate on this one, but, I was introduced to someone years ago that was pals with Eddie Fields (taint gonna name drop on him). I did the above and he was quite pleased and fooled. I know it was mainly for the fact I did not spread the cards, other than the climax, and all cards were face DOWN other than the one called. And no right thumb groping cards, which, well, sucks. Introducing my self “as a guy that does this thing”, I’m sure helped too.
This is really just the tip of the iceberg. As many of us have been through, we learn a memorized stack and get perplexed and frustrated we know an index, but how to get the proper spot can be dissapointing. If you can count 26 a whole new world opens up. On a minimal level tilts, lifts, Vernon “Slap” type effects for card at any number etc., come into focus in a new way with no fidgits, or at most a deck relaxed at your side.
It’s not as hard as it seems either. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better utility. At best I can’t express the power of having any area needed under control to the exact point. Seems few in our times, even some of the best don’t know the feeling, or would see the need or want. My distaste for four cards push offs and the like, while dragging them back, frankly drives me nuts. Oddly it’s accepted by even the most seasoned (and judges…ahem).
Anyway. Hope that helps someone.
Ps. I don’t think Ortiz can COUNT 20 in 2 seconds. I too could go down the side and get 20 or more in 2. Who knows. I tend to think he was stating he can get in that AREA in 2 seconds. If he can. Damn. 1-2 and stop at say 17. Whew. Ok then. I wouldn’t put it by the man, yet, hrm. Really?
Pss. The base of the thumb plays an important role also. All write ups I’ve seen personally seem to be thumb to pinky. As to say diagonal in pressure. For my hands it’s more of an L shaped pressure. The base of the thumb plays a vital role. Also beware of the same dreaded “hook” of the thumb as on palming. When in doubt push the cards below the pinky to be counted to the base of the thumb and let them spring off with the bend.
Psss. Understand also a big count at your side, is similar, but quite different in “softness” than a horizontal count of a small number. Still though, the thumb base plays a role. As you may notice, using the thumb base and pinky in horizontal position, little movement is needed. Very soft. Miniscule break size. Very little to no “spring board”. Three cards or so for instance can be so soft, it feels as if no effort is taking place. One step away from an automatic feel.
Ok. I’m done. Zzzzzzzzzzzz.
