Elmsley Count Packet Tricks by Alex Elmsley

Created by: Alex Elmsley

The Elmsley Count Packet Tricks involve a classic card move known as the Elmsley count, which magically changes the appearance of four cards to blank cards or completely different cards. This is a close-up card magic trick that can be performed with just four cards, offering multiple moments of magic through this versatile move. It's ideal for magicians looking to add a foundational yet powerful technique to their repertoire.

Key features

Utilizes the Elmsley count, a fundamental card move in magic
Can be performed with any four cards, making it highly practical
Offers multiple moments of magic within a single routine
Suitable for magicians of all skill levels
Has a nostalgic value for many, connecting to cherished memories

Pros

Versatile and can be adapted into various tricks
Does not require special cards or gimmicks
Strong emotional impact on audiences
Great for practicing and mastering the Elmsley count

Cons

Requires practice to perform the Elmsley count smoothly
May be considered basic by advanced magicians looking for more complex tricks

Effect

The Elmsley Count Packet Tricks create the illusion of cards changing or transforming in the spectator's view. A magician displays a small packet of cards, often four, and through a deceptive counting technique, the cards appear to change one by one or all at once. The audience sees a visual transformation, such as blank cards turning into printed ones, or one set of cards becoming another entirely.

Full Details

The Elmsley Count is a fundamental card sleight used in many packet tricks. It allows a magician to secretly conceal one or more cards while displaying the packet fairly. The technique is versatile, working with standard playing cards or specially printed gimmicks. Many variations exist, from simple color changes to elaborate routines where multiple transformations occur in sequence.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Elmsley Count Packet Tricks are ideal for:

Beginners learning foundational card sleights.
Intermediate magicians looking to expand their packet trick repertoire.
Performers who enjoy visual, self-working, or semi-automatic effects.
Those who appreciate classic magic with strong audience reactions.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Elmsley Count itself requires practice to perform smoothly, but many packet tricks built around it are designed to be accessible. Some versions are nearly self-working, while others demand precise timing and misdirection. Scott McKay mentions struggling with methods and nerves but still enjoying the emotional impact of these tricks, suggesting they can be rewarding even for hobbyists.

What Magicians Say

Scott McKay, a hobbyist magician, includes Elmsley Count Packet Tricks in his list of favorites, recalling how one routine with Four Queens turning blank was particularly memorable for his late father. He describes the Elmsley Count as a classic move with endless applications.

The Alakazam podcast also highlights that Alex Elmsley's original four-card trick, which popularized the Elmsley Count, will soon be available on their streaming platform. They recommend Liam Montier's Elmsley Count Project as a strong learning resource, calling it "probably the best resource out there for the Elmsley count."

Magicians appreciate the Elmsley Count for its deceptive simplicity and the strong reactions it generates, making it a staple in card magic.

What people are saying about Elmsley Count Packet Tricks

Scott McKay says...

It was the one trick that my late father particularly enjoyed. I however lost the trick and probably the ability to do it so if anyone has any wisdom on what it may be please do let me know.