I haven't even seen the trick performed, but from the description it might use stripper cards to get the correct cards to the top and bottom after a legit. shuffle. As for dealing the correct cards from the bottom, if each half had the same (identical) 4 cards on the bottom, but in reverse order, then no matter how they were riffle shuffled, the correct cards would be dealt. Example: Left half has 4C-5C-6C-8C on bottom; right half has 8C-6C-5C-4C on bottom. (7C is up sleeve.) Once the two halves are riffle shuffled, no matter how they are mixed, the bottom 4 cards will have one each of 4C, 5C, 6C and 8C. This is not a Gilbreath, but I think it's called a "Stay Stack".

The top stack could work the same way, except you wouldn't need duplicate cards as suits aren't important. You would just have 5 royal cards on top of one half and 5 royals on the other half. The two halves are separated by a crimped card or bridge. You would start by false riffle shuffling and cutting, then cutting at the crimp for the spectator to riffle shuffle the two halves with stacks at the tops and bottoms of each half. I would let the spectator cut the cards, hoping he cuts at the crimp or bridge (if he misses, ask him to replace the cut for you to cut the halves more equally).

With the duplicate cards, you might think it's a one-trick pony, but there's actually a lot you could do with the deck both before and after the trick if you think about it (and you're good at concealing and working around the stacks).

P.S. A good way to force the card that goes up the sleeve would be the Fan or Spread Force.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong as I've not gotten this, but my understanding is that the performer openly places a card in his sleeve, yes?

This is entirely logical based on the premise of the effect.

But if so, why on earth would you ever need to have the card that goes up the sleeve forced? This makes no sense. Since the effect is that of an open exposition, forcing the card becomes a contradiction - at best.

The thing you're describing IS the Gilbreath principle.

Mike

Note to myself: Mockingbird. A classic. Well worth to re-read. Sorry, was thinking aloud.

LOL.


Ssshh!

LOL

Also, for anyone interested, an alternative to a tabled riffle shuffle is a tabled Rosetta Shuffle (as an example).

This seems like an excellent trick. I'd be willing to buy it if I didn't have my own version of something similar, it wasn't a single effect (and a download no less) for $20, and if I actually still engaged in buying effects.

The Other Brothers are fun, their effects are great, if this interests you, you should buy it, the underlying concepts are very valuable (assuming I know what is going on, which I cannot guarantee).

Cheers,
Lem

Just a quick note that you can predict the outcome on a bill like you see in the trailer for a more mentalism type feel, or just do the straight poker deal without the bill prediction for a more seemingly skill based effect. It is adaptable, easy to do and incredibly fun to perform. I'm loving it.

I remember a dvd called the Spiral principle. Seems liked the same thing.

I remember watching "Spiral Principle and Beyond", and the principle used there has nothing to do with the Gilbreath principle. It actually reminds me of "A Cy Endfield Location", which you can find in Pabular.

Mike

Starting with Post-In by Victor Sanz, The Vault is whatever Bro Gilbert/Murphy's decides, not just old stuff.