The Expert at the Card Table by S. W. Erdnase

Author:S. W. Erdnase [Erdnase, S. W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: Dover Publications
Published: 2012-10-06T04:00:00+00:00

Fig. 62

A second method of making the throw or deal is to hold the two right-hand cards between the second finger and thumb only, the right third finger taking no part in the action and being held rather ostentatiously straight out. When the top card is thrown, the left little finger is moved in under the end of the third finger, and the tip catches and holds the corner of the lower card, while the second finger releases both, so as to let the top card fall. Then the second finger instantly retakes its original position, and the little finger is released. The action of the little finger is completely covered by the position of the third finger. This method is perhaps more subtle, as it appears quite impossible to throw the top card without dropping both.

An addition to the game is made by putting in a crimp or upturn in a corner of the Ace. Then several throws are made, and a player finds he can locate the Ace “just for fun” every time. When perfect confidence is inspired, and the cupidity of the player tempts him to cover the odds, a throw is made, the player selects the card with the corner turned, and is amazed to find he has missed the “cinch.” In a confidence game, the corner of the Ace is turned by a “capper,” who seizes an opportunity when the careless (?) dealer turns to expectorate, or on any pretext neglects his game for a moment. But the crimp can be put in, taken out, and again put in the corner of another card during the procedure of the throw.

To crimp the corner, pick up the Ace with the second finger and thumb of right hand, second finger at middle of end, and let the third fingertip rest on top of the card close to second finger. Then catch the corner with the little finger and squeeze it in, pressing down with third fingertip, and the corner is crimped upward. The corner is turned down again by slipping the third fingertip over the end, and pulling up; and pressing down on the corner with the little fingertip. Either action can be performed in an instant as the card is picked up. Now to make the “corner” throw the Ace is picked up, shown, and crimped, then the second card is picked up with the third finger and thumb and shown, the left hand picks up and shows the third card, and a natural throw is made which leaves the Ace in the middle. Then the right hand picks up the right-hand card, shows it, crimps the corner, picks up the Ace, shows it, and the left hand picks up the last card. Now the right hand holds the two turned corner cards, but the fact that the upper one is crimped cannot be seen because of the positions of the fingers, even when the face of the under one, which is the Ace, is shown.

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