OPTICAL SHUFFLE

W

e have already studied one overhand shuffle by means of which the whole pack is kept in a prearranged order while apparently becoming well mixed. The same effect is obtained with the optical shuffle, so called because for deceptiveness it depends upon an optical illusion.

1. Begin an overhand shuffle by undercutting about two-thirds of the deck.

2. Bring the right-hand packet down in front of the packet remaining in the left hand, its lower side striking against the left palm. Raise the left thumb in the usual action of drawing off cards from the right-hand packet, but actually do not remove any; simply slide the thumb over the back of the uppermost card as the right hand lifts its packet away intact.

3. Tilt the left-hand packet back against the left thumb with the left fingers. Drop a packet from the top of those held by the right hand against the face card of the left-hand packet.

4. Let the cards in the left hand fall forward onto the left fingers, and repeat the action in step No. 2.

5. Repeat step No. 3, and continue until the cards in the right hand are exhausted.

At first thought this pretense of removing cards with the left thumb appears to be too audacious, but when it is smoothly done the illusion is perfect, as a few trials before a mirror will show.

CHARLIER SHUFFLE

This shuffle is also called the "haymow" shuffle. It is unique among card sleights in that neatness of execution is not required;

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