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pnerd Regular user 164 Posts |
Here's what Erdnase wrote about the Charlier shuffle (well, he didn't call it as such, but the description is of what we know as the Charlier shuffle) in the "Blind Shuffles, Retaining Entire Order" (fifth method) on page 104 of The Expert at the Card Table:
Quote:
This process is very much employed by many clever card conjurers who ought to know better, and we include it only because it is in common use and to suggest its rejection. Ouch! Now if someone like Darwin Ortiz suddenly starts doing a Charlier shuffle, it would look odd because the rest of his card handling is so smooth and elegant. But I can totally see it being convincing in the hands of someone like Lennart Green or Dani DaOrtiz whose style is more chaotic. Thoughts? . |
ssibal Veteran user 352 Posts |
He’s right but such shuffles and movements where it appears you’re fumbling around with the cards have their place in some effects. For example, if you are telling the story of a drunk or an amateur card handler these types of moves are very useful. I wouldn’t, however, use such moves more than once in a performance.
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PressureFan New user 95 Posts |
I'm not getting into the ring with Erdnase, but in The Royal Road to Card Magic it states that “…neatness of execution is not required; in fact, it is most effective when done rather clumsily. Although expert cardmen affect to disdain it for that reason, the wise operator values it for its effect on laymen, to whom it is the most convincing false shuffle extant.”
“We would emphasize the need for making the shuffle rather slowly and roughly, with great emphasis on the fact that it mixes (do not use the word “shuffle”) the cards thoroughly.” |
NicholasD25 Veteran user 380 Posts |
I would only use the shuffle with a relatively small packet of cards. It looks a little more natural that way. Never in a gambling demonstration or with a full deck( which looks and feels kind of awkward).
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Ray J Inner circle St. Louis, MO 1503 Posts |
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On May 15, 2022, NicholasD25 wrote: Totally agree. Nowadays it is a perfect way to make it look as though you are casually mixing a packet of cards. A full deck? No. Harry Lorayne also has published a great alternative, "Utility Mixer" and it can be found in his latest publication, 'More Jaw Droppers', a great book.
It's never crowded on the extra mile....
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Chris Inner circle lybrary.com 1177 Posts |
Aldo Colombini used it extensively. I disagree that it looks awkward with a full deck. It only looks awkward to magicians. To lay people it looks like a completely legitimate mixing. I think it is a very effective false shuffle, particularly in a casual setting. If it worked for Charlier why should it not work for others? Lennart Green made a career with the appearance of sloppiness. But I agree, in a gambling demonstration or if your persona is that of a skilled card handler then it has no place.
Lybrary.com preserving magic one book at a time.
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Ray J Inner circle St. Louis, MO 1503 Posts |
As stated above, procedures can look "right" when performed by certain performers or in certain situations. Everything in magic involves making choices and the key is to learn how to make good choices that add to, and not detract from the illusion you're trying to create.
My issue, and the reason I would choose to never use the Charlier Shuffle for an entire pack is simply that there are (to me) better, more accepted methods for mixing full decks. If I wanted to do a casual mix, I'd probably choose a blind overhand shuffle. In more formal instances, especially when seated, I'd likely choose a blind riffle shuffle. But, and this is the important point (again, to me) a small packet lends itself to the Charlier style shuffle. You can't really riffle shuffle a small group of cards. It would look silly. And even an overhand shuffle might look strange. But either the Charlier or Harry's Utility Mixer are absolutely perfect for a small group. Perfect. Check out Harry's recent book for details on his Utility Mixer. https://www.harryloraynemagic.com/shop/p......softback
It's never crowded on the extra mile....
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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The workers » » Thoughts about Erdnase's opinion on the Charlier shuffle? (1 Likes) |
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