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Side Jog by Dai Vernon

Created by: Dai Vernon

The Side Jog is a sophisticated card control technique used in close-up card magic, inspired by the deceptive methods of old-time card hustlers and popularized by Dai Vernon. It involves invisibly transferring a selected card from a spectator's hand back into the deck, making it appear lost while secretly maintaining control. The technique is designed to appear natural and sloppy, blending secret moves seamlessly into everyday card handling to enhance the illusion.

Key features

  • Inspired by old-time card hustlers' techniques

  • Uses a combination of slip shuffle and side jog for natural appearance

  • Designed to appear messy and uncontrolled to mask the underlying control

  • Can be incorporated into various card magic routines

  • Emphasizes clear communication with lay audiences

Pros

  • Highly effective and deceptive

  • Relatively easy to learn

  • Natural appearance enhances the illusion

  • Versatile for use in many card magic routines

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the natural appearance

  • May not be suitable for beginners due to the need for subtlety

Effect

The Side Jog is a subtle card technique used to make a secret move appear natural during a shuffle. To the audience, it looks like the magician is casually shuffling the deck, with no indication that a card is being controlled. The Side Jog helps disguise the Vernon Transfer, making it seem like a selected card is lost in the deck when it is actually retained in a controlled position.

Full Details

The Side Jog is a small adjustment made during an overhand shuffle. It involves slightly pushing one card outward from the side of the deck, creating a small break or jog. This jog makes the subsequent Vernon Transfer appear more natural, as the card is already slightly displaced before the secret move is executed.

The technique is often used in combination with the slip shuffle, where the bottom card is retained while the rest of the deck is shuffled. The Side Jog is performed just before the Vernon Transfer, which secretly moves the selected card back to the top of the deck while appearing to spread the cards randomly.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This technique is ideal for magicians who perform card magic and want a deceptive way to control a selected card without raising suspicion. It works well in routines where a messy, uncontrolled shuffle is part of the presentation. If you enjoy methods that rely on natural handling rather than flashy sleight of hand, the Side Jog is a useful addition to your repertoire.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Side Jog is not overly difficult, but it requires smooth execution to look natural. The key is blending it into the shuffle without hesitation. The Vernon Transfer itself is described as "almost self-working" by SeanDevine, meaning that with proper technique, the move flows naturally. However, practice is needed to ensure the Side Jog and subsequent transfer happen seamlessly.

What Magicians Say

SeanDevine describes the Side Jog as a way to make the Vernon Transfer "appear more natural and less suspicious." He emphasizes that performing the jog before the transfer avoids the awkwardness of trying to execute a secret move from a perfectly squared deck. He also notes that the entire routine should look "sloppy" and chaotic to mask the control, comparing it to the style of Danny Ortiz.

The technique is praised for its deceptive simplicity, making it a strong choice for magicians who want a reliable yet understated method for card control.

What people are saying about Side Jog

SeanDevine says...

The Vernon Transfer is an underrated and underused control that offers a deceptive and natural way to maintain card control. [...] The whole feel of it is a natural thing and using natural actions to achieve a secret action.

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