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Elmsley Count by Alex Elmsley

Created by: Alex Elmsley

The Elmsley Count is a foundational card sleight used in close-up magic, primarily for packet tricks and card manipulation. It allows a magician to display a small group of cards (typically four) while secretly concealing one or more cards, creating illusions such as color changes, card vanishes, or transformations. Named after Scottish magician Alex Elmsley, who popularized it in the 1950s, this technique is essential for effects like 'The Four-Card Trick,' 'Twisting the Aces,' and 'Oil and Water.' Spectators see the magician count the cards in a seemingly fair manner, but the hidden card(s) enable magical reveals. Buyers should note that mastering the Elmsley Count requires practice to avoid flashing cards and to maintain a smooth, deceptive rhythm, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced magicians. It can be performed with any standard deck of cards and is versatile for impromptu or structured routines.

Key features

  • Fundamental sleight for card magic, used in numerous tricks

  • Requires practice to execute smoothly and avoid detection

  • Versatile for close-up and packet tricks with minimal setup

  • Can be combined with other techniques like double lifts and false cuts

  • Enhances deception in routines involving card counts and transformations

Pros

  • Highly deceptive when mastered, fooling even experienced magicians

  • Self-working in many routines, allowing focus on presentation

  • Quick reset and portable, ideal for impromptu performances

  • Builds foundational skills in card handling and misdirection

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for beginners; requires consistent practice

  • Potential for card flashing if not executed properly

  • May not be suitable for all performance styles without adaptation

Effect

The Elmsley Count is a card sleight that creates a powerful visual deception. To an audience, the magician appears to be fairly counting a small group of cards, usually four. However, one card is secretly hidden during the count, making it seem like it has vanished or transformed. This allows for effects where a card changes color, a queen becomes an ace, or a selected card mysteriously appears or disappears from the packet. The count looks completely natural, with no visible moves or suspicious handling.

Full details

The Elmsley Count is named after Scottish magician Alex Elmsley, who developed and popularized the technique in the 1950s. It is a fundamental false count used to conceal the true number of cards in a small packet. The standard method involves cleanly displaying four cards as four, while one card remains hidden from view. This is achieved through a specific grip and counting rhythm that masks the secret retention of a card.

The count is not a trick by itself but a utility move that forms the core of many classic card routines. It is often used in packet tricks like the "Four-Card Trick," color changes, and transformations such as "Twisting the Aces." The Elmsley Count requires no gimmicked cards and can be performed with any standard deck. Mastery of this sleight allows magicians to create the illusion of cards changing, vanishing, or appearing with minimal handling.

Who should consider the trick

The Elmsley Count is essential for card magicians at all levels. Beginners will find it a foundational skill that opens the door to numerous classic effects. Intermediate and advanced performers use it to enhance routines with greater deception and smoothness. It is particularly valuable for those interested in packet tricks, mentalism with cards, or gambling-themed routines. Magicians who perform close-up or parlor magic will use the Elmsley Count frequently due to its versatility and power.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Elmsley Count is generally considered an intermediate sleight. While the basic mechanics can be learned quickly, achieving a deceptive and natural-looking performance requires practice. Common challenges include avoiding flashes of the hidden card and maintaining a consistent, relaxed rhythm. As reviewer David from Magic Orthodoxy notes, performers must be "mindful of angles and potential card flashes." With dedicated practice, most magicians can achieve proficiency. The move is often described as more about timing and misdirection than complex finger work.

What magicians say

Magicians praise the Elmsley Count for its utility and effectiveness. PigCake mentions it as a key technique in routines like "Change the Cards," where it helps conceal card manipulation. AMillionCardTricks highlights that a "smooth, consistent motion" is crucial to keeping the count invisible. Sebastian Toca, in his review of Jermay x Vernon, notes that Luke Jermay offers "insights into natural Elmsley counts," indicating that even experts continue to refine this move. Many reviewers, including those from BestMagic and CardMechanic, emphasize that the Elmsley Count is a must-learn move for any serious card magician, calling it "foundational" and "invaluable."

What people are saying about Elmsley Count

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The Elmsley Count is a foundational sleight for card magicians, learned through resources like YouTube and magic shops, and musicians may have an advantage due to their natural sense of timing and rhythm.

AMillionCardTricks says...

The Elmsley Count is used to conceal the disappearance of one queen while maintaining the illusion of all four being present. It's a foundational card sleight that rewards smooth, consistent motion to keep the count invisible.

BestMagic says...

Practice the Elmsley count until it's second nature—this is the backbone of the routine. A well-executed count creates a timeless, self-working effect that fools even seasoned magicians.

CardMechanic says...

The Elmsley Count is a false count used to conceal the third card in a five-card packet, making the trick appear more deceptive. It's accessible to newer magicians while offering room for personalization.

magicorthodoxy says...

The Elmsley Count is essential for performing the routine smoothly. Magicians already proficient in it will find the trick relatively easy to master, but be mindful of angles and potential card flashes.

PigCake says...

The Elmsley Count is a great way to practice double lifts in front of an audience, even if you're feeling nervous. Participants aren't always as perceptive as magicians think, and a well-presented routine can overcome any minor imperfections.

sebastiantoca9208 says...

Jermay shares insights into natural Elmsley counts, a subtle but powerful technique that elevates classic routines to showpieces with exceptional scripting and convincers.

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