Spread and turnover

A. On a Cloth-Covered Table

B. On a Bare Table

C. Gathering the Ribbon-Spread Pack

A. On a Cloth-Covered Table

This flourish has a very pretty effect as a preliminary to the execution of an opening trick. The cards are spread on the table in a row showing the backs, then they are turned over simultaneously to show the faces.

Two conditions are required for perfect results: first, the table used must have a cloth on it to provide the necessary friction to prevent the cards from sliding; second, the cards themselves must be in good condition.

1. Place the pack on the table toward your right, the sides parallel with the edge of the table nearest you.

2. With a swift movement of the right hand to the left, pressing down slightly on the top card, spread the cards, thus causing a separation of about an inch between each card and the one following it (Fig. 29).

3. Slip the index finger of the right hand under the card at the extreme right and turn it over in the direction in which the cards lie. This action will cause all the other cards to turn over.

When facility has been acquired in spreading the cards in a fairly long line, the knack of spreading them in an arc of a circle will give you little trouble. The effect of the turnover is then much prettier.

The spread may be used for a very attractive flourish, first described by Robert-Houdin in The Secrets of Conjuring and Magic (1868). A comparatively recent addition makes the little feat even more effective.

1. After spreading the cards in a long line on the table lengthwise, in such a way that about two-thirds of each card is covered by the one above it, slip the right index finger under the first face-down card.

2. Turn this card to an upright position.

3. Take one card in the left hand, hold it vertically with its sides parallel to the table top, and place the middle of its lower side on the top edge of the upright card (Fig. 30).

4. Draw this card toward the left, pressing it lightly on the top edge of the other cards as they move up into a vertical position. All the cards turn over in succession.

5. On reaching the other end of the line, do not let the cards fail flat. Move the card in the left hand back in the opposite direction and turn the line of cards face downwards as at the start.

If the cards have been spread carefully, the flourish may be repeated several times before letting the cards fall flat in their original position. The effect is intriguing.

B. On a Bare Table

For this flourish proceed as follows:

1. Grasp the pack at the ends between the right thumb and the middle and ring fingers, pressing the tip of the index finger on the middle of the pack.

2. Pull the ends of the deck upwards with the thumb and two fingers, at the same time pressing downwards with the index finger.

3. Place the pack on the table so that only the middle part of the bottom card touches the table surface (Fig. 31).

4. Move the cards from left to right swiftly, allowing the ends to slip off the tips of the fingers and thumbs, and at the same time maintaining the pressure of the index finger on the back of the top card. The result will be the formation of a perfect and symmetrical ribbon of cards, accompanied by a light riffling sound which is very effective. The length of this ribbon spread will be governed by the amount of pressure exerted by the index finger.

Note that in this case the cards are spread sideways, not lengthwise as in situation ,4. The method may also be used on a cloth-covered table. It is excellent for use when a card is reversed at or near the bottom of the pack. In starting the spread, let half a dozen cards slip off the thumb and fingers before moving the hand, so that these cards will be bunched together and prevent the reversed card from being seen. The onlookers will be convinced that all the cards are face downwards without your commenting on this fact.

C. Gathering the Ribbon-Spread Pack

When (as in A above) the cards have been spread, turned face upwards, and face downwards again–or when (as in B) they have been ribbon-spread for the selection of a card–the whole pack can be gathered with a rapid sweep of the right hand. To do this, slip the fingers of the right hand under the lowermost card at the extreme end of the line and slide it under all the others, following the line of the pack. The cards are all brought into the hand, the thumb falling on the last card.

The action can be made as rapidly as you wish with perfect safety.