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Bob G Inner circle 2831 Posts |
Hi folks,
I've posted two videos in which I try to accomplish the Biddle Steal: https://youtu.be/A0ZdYgIlgtg https://youtu.be/i-isX9p0OwY Ordinarily I'd wait until a move was more polished than this before showing a video, but I've practiced this move quite a bit, and I don't feel I'm going to improve without some help. I hope these don't hurt your eyes too much. I'm aware of various problems besides the obvious slowness and uncertainty. The most obvious one is that the cards, as I move them from the half-deck to the packet, don't always land flush with the packet. Another problem, which didn't particularly show up in these videos, is that the sounds are inconsistent as different cards move to the packet. For instance, when I move the second card to the packet (and form a break between the two cards) that are now in the packet), I often get a clicking or scratching sound. Also, at the end of the count, the stolen card often isn't flush with the half-deck; same for the top card's half-deck. Since these problems occur pretty consistently, I'm hoping someone can suggest adjustments in my technique that will eliminate them. Thanks so much for your help. Bob |
Kimura Special user 519 Posts |
You seem to be aware of the key issues you have with the move.
The sound issue isn't an issue at all. Don't worry about sound. You're pulling cards off the deck in a scraping motion - there's going to be a difference in sound. If it *really* bothers you, try loosening up various grips. The alignment issues are easily solved by placing the deck almost on top of the packet during the second (and subsequent) takes. If you angle the right side of the left hand packet down SLIGHTLY, you'll find you won't accidentally steal the left hand cards when you don't mean to. Speed and rhythm (practice) will solve any further alignment imperfections. |
Bob G Inner circle 2831 Posts |
Thanks, Kimura.
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Bob G Inner circle 2831 Posts |
Slight edit: when I said "top-card's half deck" (near end of OP) I meant "top card of half-deck."
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MeetMagicMike Inner circle Gainesville Fl 3501 Posts |
The problem is your right hand is not in the Biddle move position. Your hand should be above the deck. The right middle finger and thumb should be about in the center of the short sides.
The grip you have is more open and might be preferable if you can get it to work. I find the biddle steal to be easy and invisible using the grip I describe. |
Bob G Inner circle 2831 Posts |
Thanks, Mike -- I'll give the (correct) biddle position a try. And thanks to both you and Kimura for the time you took to watch the videos.
Bob |
MeetMagicMike Inner circle Gainesville Fl 3501 Posts |
I should have said, "The Biddle grip as I was taught".
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Bob G Inner circle 2831 Posts |
I think you're right though, Mike. I got in the habit of keeping my hand to the side when I saw a video in which John Guastaferro suggested doing a sort of "C-Clamp" grip to expose the card better (the openness you talked about). But maybe that doesn't work with this move. I'll let you guys know how it goes.
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Laughing New user 65 Posts |
Bob, hand position aside, I find that if I do the steal as slowly as you are doing it, I get alignment problems too. Try speeding it up a touch. I have no idea why when I do it slowly I foul it up.
As mentioned above this should be quite an easy sleight as you have good cover, this took me only a week or so to master, once I upped the speed a bit. I just tried it doing it slowly again, and I am OK with that now, so maybe repetition has something to do with it. |
Bob G Inner circle 2831 Posts |
Thanks, Laughing. I'm going to try speeding it up; in fact, I think I've started to already, almost without realizing it. It might just be the placebo effect, but I found that after I read people's suggestions and sped up my move it got quite a bit better rather suddenly. Believe me, though, I'm still open to further observations.
Jerry Mentzer in his "Counts" book says this sleight is easy to pick up, so maybe I should just trust him and then all will be well. Bob |
Frank Yuen Elite user 454 Posts |
Try it with less cards in your hand to start. It looks like you have a full deck in your hand or almost a full deck. Try a half deck or less.
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Bob G Inner circle 2831 Posts |
Thanks, Frank. I think I used a half deck. But for practice I could try a quarter or third.
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