Overhand Lift Shuffle

To a certain extent the same objection that we have noted with regard to the undercut and throw method applies to the use of the break. If used constantly without any variation it would be possible to detect the fact that a portion of the deck is kept intact. The lift shuffle obtains the same result as both the preceding methods in one shuffle and is therefore the most perfect partial false shuffle extant. Here is the method:

1. Let us suppose that a small number of cards, up to say eight or ten, must be retained intact on the top of the pack in the course of an overhand shuffle .

Begin by lifting the whole pack with the right hand, holding it by the ends between the third (top) phalanges of the thumb and middle finger.

2. As the first movement of the shuffle, pull off these cards into the left hand. Bring the deck down on top of this packet (A) and pull off another packet (B) with the left thumb. At the same moment that the

deck strikes the left palm, press the tip of the right ring finger against the end of the first packet (A), pressing its inner end against the right thumb at the second joint and thus holding it firmly.

3. After releasing packet B, lift the right hand, carrying away the remainder of the deck and packet A gripped between the ring finger and the thumb. Packet B completely conceals this move (Fig. 67).

4. Continue the shuffle until all the cards between the middle finger and the thumb have been shuffled off, then drop packet A intact on top of all the cards in the left hand.

A few minutes' practice will enable you to make this lift of the special packet smoothly and imperceptibly. We know of no other sleight in the whole range of card conjuring which is so valuable and so easily learned. A judicious mixture of the shuffle and undercut ( overhand shuffle control ), the shuffle and break ( overhand break control ), and the shuffle and lift (overhand lift shuffle) will baffle the keenest and most sceptical observer.

Naturally the top card can be controlled in this way just as easily as can a small number, but this is only one of the several uses to which the sleight can be put.

A very effective use is for gathering several chosen cards and retaining them on the top of the deck, although they are replaced separately and the pack is shuffled each time. To do this, start with the deck in the left hand. Undercut the bulk of the cards with the right hand, and thrust forward the left for the replacement of the chosen card on top of that packet. Then execute the lift sleight in the

first movement of the overhand shuffle , and finally drop the lifted packet on top of all. Repeat the moves for the remaining cards, and you have all the chosen cards on the top of the pack. Remember, however, that the order they are now in is the reverse of that in which they were replaced.