Gambling Technique :: Bottom Dealing

S.W. Erdnase's Bottom Dealing Description

The art of dealing from the bottom, although not the most difficult to attain, is perhaps the most highly prized accomplishment in the repertory of the professional. The bottom is the most convenient place for retaining desirable cards during the shuffle or riffle, and perfection in dealing from that position obviates to a great extent the necessity of stocking, as the cards can be dealt at will, and consequently need not be run up in a certain order. Like acquiring many other feats, a perfect understanding of the exact manner in which it is performed will avoid the principal difficulties. Practice will soon do the rest.

2 Months into Bottom Dealing!

However, I have evolved from using the conventional, antiquated Erdnase's grip when dealing from the bottom because of the possibility of 'knuckle flash' and it is very difficult to attain good rhythm this way.  I am currently using Gene Maze's grip to deal from the bottom. I have learnt both these techniques from Jason England's 'Foundations' DVD produced by Theory11. In the first video, I demonstrated the technique with face-down Aces whereas in the second video, I did it with them facing up. There is no doubt that my current execution of the technique is in need of more refinements. Constructive comments are much appreciated.

Magic & Nostalgia

This short is hauntingly beautiful. It inadvertently reminded me of the great times spent with grandpa when I was a little boy. As we grow older, we tend to dismiss magic as something trivial or childish because we have developed our own beliefs on how the world works. I did, like many, lost connection with magic until I rediscovered that "child's state of mind" when I was 16. Since then, I never looked back. Magic has always had a profound effect on me, and this short has just reinforced that, time and again. 

Astonishment is not an emotion that's created. It's an existing state that's revealed  Paul Harris, The Art of Astonishment Book 1

Steve Forte :: Spring Street Aces

As the cards are sprung face up from hand to hand, the dealer is able to stop dead on an Ace. This is repeated three more times until all four Aces have been found. An impeccable feat to say the least. I immediately fell in love with this fancy 4-card production when I first saw David Williamson performed it at the 2010 Blackpool Magic Convention. It is direct, visual production with easy get-ready. Originally published in Channel One Magazine (Vol. 2, issue #6, Dec 2000) by Steve Forte under the heading 'Springing the Aces' (currently out of print), it is available on Dan & Dave's website in the following link: http://shop.dananddave.com/spring-street-aces.html

Here is the performance by the creator himself, Mr. Steve Forte.