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School for Gamblers by Bill Malone

Created by: Bill Malone

Bill Malone's 'School for Gamblers' is a sophisticated close-up card routine that simulates the techniques of a professional card cheat. The magician demonstrates three key skills: finding the Aces in a shuffled deck, automatically stacking them for a poker hand, and performing a deceptive 'bluff cut' to deal the Aces from the center of the deck. The routine is perfect for magicians looking to add a gambling-themed performance to their repertoire, blending sleight of hand with engaging storytelling. Buyers should note that this trick requires intermediate card handling skills and practice to master the subtleties of the moves.

Key features

  • Combines three advanced card techniques: finding Aces, automatic stacking, and a bluff cut.

  • Draws inspiration from classic magic sources like Eddy Raymond's 'Magazine Volume 5' and 'Card Finesse'.

  • Emphasizes the importance of patter and misdirection to enhance the illusion.

  • Includes detailed tips for execution, such as the 'Marlo grip' and 'unit deal'.

  • Suitable for intermediate to advanced card magicians.

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and visually impressive.

  • Clear and detailed teaching by Bill Malone.

  • Versatile for close-up or parlour performances.

  • Engaging narrative structure with the 'school for gamblers' theme.

Cons

  • Requires significant practice to master the sleights.

  • Not suitable for beginners due to the complexity of the techniques.

Effect

"School for Gamblers" by Bill Malone is a card routine that simulates the skills of a professional card cheat. The magician demonstrates three key abilities: finding the Aces in a shuffled deck, stacking them in a poker game, and dealing them from the middle of the deck. The performance builds with each phase, creating a convincing illusion of expert card manipulation.

Full Details

The routine consists of three main phases:

  • Finding the Aces – The magician shuffles the deck and, through a series of cuts and controlled shuffles, locates all four Aces one by one.
  • Automatic Stacking – The Aces are secretly arranged so they can be dealt into the magician’s hand during a five-handed poker deal.
  • Bluff Cut & Pseudo Center Deal – The Aces are seemingly cut to the middle of the deck, yet they still appear in the magician’s hand when dealt, reinforcing the illusion of cheating.

    • Bill Malone credits influences from Eddy Raymond’s "Magazine Volume 5" and techniques from "Card Finesse." The routine relies on precise shuffles, controlled cuts, and misdirection to maintain deception.

    Who Should Consider the Trick

    This routine is ideal for magicians who:

    • Enjoy gambling-themed magic.
    • Want to strengthen their card control and false shuffling skills.
    • Prefer routines with a structured narrative (e.g., a "school for gamblers" theme).
    • Are comfortable with intermediate sleight-of-hand techniques.

    Difficulty

    The routine requires familiarity with:

    • Controlled shuffles and cuts.
    • The "Marlo grip" and "unit deal" for handling cards.
    • Subtle misdirection and timing for the bluff cut.

    Bill Malone notes that while the moves can be performed quickly, they require practice to appear natural. The automatic stacking phase, in particular, demands precision to maintain the illusion.

    What Magicians Say

    MurphysMagicSupplies highlights Malone’s teaching style, emphasizing the importance of understanding principles over memorizing steps. The routine is praised for its deceptive structure, with Malone stating:

    "This really gets people—even magicians—because nobody is really thinking that during the Ace-cutting sequence, you're actually stacking the cards."

    The performance tips stress the value of patter and pacing, making the routine engaging rather than just a technical demonstration.

    For those interested in gambling-themed magic, "School for Gamblers" offers a well-structured routine with strong audience impact.

    What people are saying about School for Gamblers

    MurphysMagicSupplies says...

    Bill Malone's 'School for Gamblers' routine offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of card manipulation and deceptive dealing. His clear and concise explanation, combined with his masterful performance, makes this a valuable resource for magicians.

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