n the present chapter we shall give you a number of tricks requiring an arrangement of the cards which will bring about a result you desire. These arrangements must be made without the knowledge of the audience, and this may be accomplished in one of these ways:
1. You may prepare the arrangement before you perform, place the cards in their case, and offer the trick as your first feat.
2. You may place the arrangement in your pocket before performance. The absence of six or seven cards, or even a dozen, will rarely be noticed. When you need the arrangement, palm the cards and secretly add them to the pack.
3. You may arrange the cards openly between tricks. You will already have seen how this is done in the feat described as the obliging aces (see page 125). The general rule is that when you are making an arrangement openly you must do it boldly. The moment your manner becomes furtive you will create suspicion.
Between impromptu tricks there are always a few moments of laughter and comment, and you can make your arrangement at this time if you do it as you talk, dividing your attention between the cards and those about you. You must remember that, although you know you are making an arrangement and may at first be self-conscious, those about you do not know what you are doing. You can let them think you are searching for the joker as you shift cards about, or you need offer no explanation at all.
Some of our most adept card experts make arrangements with
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