I've performed Anderson's tear dozens of times, and I love the effect. But 20-30% of the time, I find that the newspaper tears right down the front during the restoration. It's gotten to be such a problem that I've taken to putting a line of Scotch tape along the tops of the hidden pages (N and 3), hoping to reinforce the restoration. Then yesterday, during a gig, it happened again--a torn paper when I needed a restored one. Has anyone else had this problem?? I'm using the local paper, the Boston Globe, and am wondering if they're using cheaper pulp or something. I don't think I'm doing anything wrong: I fold the paper carefully, per Gene Anderson's directions, and I don't "throw" the paper open (an early mistake I made, when I started doing this routine), but let gravity gently open it up. And still it tears. For now, reluctantly, I'm retiring it from my act. Advice, anyone?

Do you have you thumbs underneath and fingers on top or vice versa?

The only times I ever experienced tearing (now decades ago) it was because I was spreading my hands too quickly after the "drop", or worse, during the "drop".

We all want the "flash" restoration to happen in an instant, but it actually can take a couple of full seconds. The effect on the audience is one of being instantaneous. Once I developed a feel for the timing I have never had a tear again.

Thanks for the advice, Frank. Scott, I have my thumbs/fingers where they are supposed to be per Gene's instructions. By the way, Gene himself wrote me a super kind note, suggesting that I kind of flip the paper outward at a 45 degree angle, so that air gets cushioned under it. Also that I be sure to perform it at chest level. I'm going to try that.

As Frank's post says, slow down and don't jerk your hands too far apart. I had the same problem until I relaxed and slowed down. Taping the top of the paper all the way across is really a good idea.

Jim

After getting your fingers in the proper position, it is best to drop the load, then spread. Practice it in separate steps. Also, make sure the load turns over so it's in front so you are not opening from behind, which will tear the paper.

Other problems occur when the two packets are glued together. Make sure that nothing is glued together that should not be. Sometimes extra glue gets on the paper. When they sit waiting for the show, the two packets get glued together and you have mess on your hands. You might want to put torn pieces around it so they don't touch.

To repeat what everyone has said. Take a breath. You've torn the paper and stacked the torn bits. You've done the required fold of the gizmo. Pause here and insure (as Scott said) that your hands/fingers are properly placed.

Given that you've taken the breath/pause and insured that you are actually ready to restore the paper, say (in your head) "One thousand and drop" as you say (in your head) "drop" let go the restoration packet.
As it unfolds, say (in your head) "one thousand and open" and on "open" start to open the paper out.
Finally say "one thousand and page" and on "page" begin the page display.

That will give you the rhythm and still look like an instantanous restoration.

Of course that assumes (and we know what assuming does) you've made the packet correctly (re-read Mtpasco post).

The rhythm does give the audience the time to register what has happened and appreciate the magic of it all.

He may also be preparing the paper to far in advance and leaving it in a folded state to long.

That has happened to me.

I agree with Harry. There is definitely a neck to rhythm of Anderson's tear. Finger position is also very key.