With dexterity, any portion of the pack may be shuffled, leaving
the remainder just as it was, by separating it during the process
by inserting one or more fingers of the left hand between it and
the portions shuffled.
II. Cutting--not in the sense of bolting at the sight of 'blue,'
though that is of consequence to card-sharpers--is of importance
in all card tricks. In many tricks cutting the cards is only a
pretence, as it is necessary for the success of the trick to
replace them as they were; in technical terms, we must 'blow up
the cut.'[87]
[87] This is the sauter la coupe referred to in the chapter on
the Gaming Clubs, in the account of the trial of Lord de Ros.
See 'Graham's Club.'
There are several ways of performing this sleight-of-hand. The
cards being cut, and forming two lots on the table, smartly
snatch up the lot which should be placed on the other, with the
left hand.
This lot being taken up and the hand being in the position shown
in the figure, snatch up in like manner the other lot, and, by a
movement of the palm of the hand and the tips of the fingers,
pass the second lot under the first.
The deception of the trick depends upon its dexterity, and this
can only be acquired by practice.
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