“Counts, Cuts, Moves and Subtlety” By Jerry Mentzer
Here’s a quick review for Jerry Mentzer’s book
The Material:
This book is packed with alot of moves that will keep you busy for a long time. Many counts are explained, along with spreads, and the standard card reverse ( Braue’s Reversal ), and the double undercut.
I will list them for you. So you know what are you buying.
Undercuts and Reversals:
Double Undercut – Braue’s Reveral – Concealed Reversal ( this is an improved Braue’s, which cover the main disadvantage of the sleight. I haven’t seen this anywhere so far. This is really good for reversing a card and positioning it 2nd from top/bottom )
Counts, Moves and Subtlety:
The Biddle Move – Hamman Count – Veeser Count – Flustration Count – Haback Count – Olram Subtlety – Downs Change – True or False ( the name of a trick, that utilizes a special count ).
Elmsley, Jordan, and variations:
Elmsley Count ( with comments and tips ) – Jordan Count – Siva Count – Pairs Count – The Spirit Count
Spreads:
The Simple Spreads – The Back Spread – Buckle Count – Ascanio Spread
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As you can see, the matrial is well versed. So, if you have that packet trick that needs a count, but its not explained in its instructions, then this is the book for you!
However, note that Daryl’s Encyclopedia of Card Sleights DVD set, contains some more counts and spreads ( Daryl’s one handed Ascanio spread, his Combo count, and a better looking version of Flushtration count are examples ). Although this book also contain some counts that are not included in Daryl’s DVDs. ( Siva and Spirit counts are examples ).
Also, Ackermann’s DVD set of Advanced Card Sleights, contain some other counts as well.
This is a cheap alternative to a Jon Racherbeumer book which has damn alot of counts, and cheaper than Card College obviously.
Teaching:
Brilliant. The author does a good job teaching every move. He first goes into the history if the sleight, then he explains it, and sometimes he include a trick with the count. ( examples are Biddle Trick .. ). Lots of pictures, too!
Value for buck:
For 10$, you get loads of moves that not only will improve your card handling, but you will have a solid foundation in card sleights as well.
I highly recommend this book.
Where to get it? I did the search for you.
