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Holding Two Cards as One

Holding Two Cards as One is a sleight-of-hand technique critical for maintaining deception during card magic performances, particularly in routines like Con Cam by R. Paul Wilson. This technique is essential for magicians looking to execute Monty-style routines or any trick requiring the concealment of multiple cards as one. It's a close-up magic skill that enhances the visual deception and misdirection in card tricks.

Key features

  • Essential for Monty-style routines and card magic

  • Requires practice to master

  • Enhances visual deception and misdirection

  • Useful in close-up magic performances

Pros

  • Improves overall card handling skills

  • Versatile application in various card tricks

  • Adds depth to magical deception

Cons

  • Requires intermediate sleight-of-hand skills

  • Not suitable for beginners without foundational knowledge

Effect

The trick Holding Two Cards as One makes it appear as though two separate playing cards are a single card. This deceptive technique is often used in routines like Con Cam to hide the presence of an extra card, creating the illusion that cards are moving or changing places when they are not.

Full Details

This sleight is a fundamental move in card magic, particularly in gambling-themed routines. It allows the magician to hold two cards together as one, concealing the identity or position of one card while displaying the other. The technique is subtle and relies on proper finger positioning and misdirection to maintain the illusion.

In Con Cam, this move is used alongside other sleights like the Elmsley Count and the Glide to create a convincing three-card Monte effect with an unexpected fourth card twist. The routine involves three black eights and a red queen, with the queen appearing to vanish and reappear under the spectator’s control.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This sleight is best suited for magicians who:

  • Have experience with intermediate card handling.
  • Enjoy gambling-themed magic or three-card Monte routines.
  • Want to improve their ability to conceal and control cards subtly.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Holding Two Cards as One technique requires practice to execute smoothly. It is not overly complex but demands precision to avoid flashing the second card. Magicians should already be comfortable with basic card controls before attempting this move.

In Con Cam, this sleight is combined with other intermediate techniques, making the full routine more challenging. As reviewer magicorthodoxy notes, familiarity with the Elmsley Count and Glide is necessary to perform the trick effectively.

What Magicians Say

According to magicorthodoxy, Con Cam is a strong routine with a "fresh take on Monty routines" and a "powerful magical moment" at the end. However, they caution that the trick requires intermediate sleight-of-hand skills, including Holding Two Cards as One, which may be difficult for beginners.

The trick is praised for its minimal setup—using just one gaffed card and three standard cards—making it practical for impromptu performances. The structured routine and strong finish make it a good choice for performers who enjoy classic gambling-style effects.

What people are saying about Holding Two Cards as One

David from Magic Orthodoxy says...

David emphasizes that while the tutorial doesn’t teach these sleights from scratch, familiarity with them is necessary to execute the routine smoothly. [...] David loves the routine for its elegant structure and strong finish, making it a great choice for performers who enjoy classic gambling-style effects with a twist.

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