Hello everyone, I just bought the sfs 3 shell game series(both part 1 and 2) and I seem to have some issues with the basic steal and load. I'm not sure what the correct finger positions are. Just to be clear, I'll describe the position of my thumb and middle finger. I experimented with many positions, not sure what the right one for my hands are. Middle finger is bent such that all 3 segments(phalanxes) of the finger are at almost 90 degree to each other and forming sort of a square (from the side view). My thumb is along the outermost phalanx/segment of the middle finger.

Another problem I have is that when I try to do the load or the steam, I can actually see the sides lift up a bit,regardless of how fast I do it.Is this slight lifting up normal?

The shells I got were some rip off of the perfect 3 shells I found at a local store. I'm planning on buying the black fox shells but I'd like to know if this trick is for. In fact, I'd like to make this routine work for me.The sfs videos and performances were very inspiring.

And also, the angles in the 3 shell game. Is it normal for the pea to be visible when in the basic pinch position when the audience are sitting down to your left, assuming the the pea is pinched in the right hand.

Hi Selvan,

1) Start with bottle caps, they are cheap, readily available and a bit more difficult to handle (this in intentional) so when you start actually using shells they feel like butter. (Bob Sheets gave me this tip). When you bottle caps are flawless, THEN get the street shells from SFS. If you can, you should also pick up Bob Sheet's bootcamp video from SFS.

2) Whether or not there is a "slight lifting" depends on the surface, shells, and of course your technique. The lift, if any, should largely be covered by motion of your load/steal. The lifting is virtually eliminated after you've practiced a while; and especially if you are using the street shells (there's a little secret built in). Although I can perform using my bottle caps with virtually no detectable lift.

3) In the basic pinch, the pea should be invisible from all angles except the bottom.

Hope that helps.

- Blur

Thank you, I'm finding the whole load and steal quite challenging. I shall try with the bottle caps before getting the street shells then!

Bob Sheets (that Scoundrel) has a great DVD- Boot Shell Camp. You get 3 bottlecap shells and 4 perfect peas. the peas make a lot of difference in the loading and unloading. So do the shells (Chanin dip).

Blurry lines is correct though. learn on the bottle caps. makes the shells much easier. Get the boot camp dvd- you will be an expert in weeks. No kidding. repetition. 20 minutes a day, for 3 weeks.... you will get it good. and be able to perform well.

"Another problem I have is that when I try to do the load or the steam, I can actually see the sides lift up a bit,regardless of how fast I do it."

Just a thought to consider: My grandpa taught me that the slower you go, the more deceptive the presentation.

School for scoundrels / beaumont routine: explains to make a small mat which is soft. so when you do the steal the shell does not lift up but the pea is pressed in the mat. works like a dream. recommended.