The Genii Forum

Until I saw a recent video online, I never realized the significance of the classic pictures of Vernon, (both young and old) with a cigarette/cigar in his right hand, holding his left forearm and a deck of cards face up, with the Ace of Clubs on the face, in his left hand. I simply thought it was a publicity photo.

I never realized he had a Queen of Hearts, in a Tenkai-type palm, along with the cig/cigar and performed an elegant, "feather-light touch" color change as he passed his right hand over his left.

Did everyone know this and it was just me? Probably me...

I know that Vernon did force a card from a similar position, as he asked a spectator to card off a portion of the face down deck from his left hand, (force card palmed in the right hand and resting on left forearm, or pulling back left sleeve), they would instinctively look at the bottom card of the cut off packet. He would say "No, no...this one" as he passed his right hand over the face down deck, deposited the force card and pushed it off the deck, proffering it to the spectator.

No other comments/insight?

URL to recent clip online - topic?

Thanks, you might get some better information about the clip from David Ben. He's a frequent visitor to this forum. Recalling Vernon's other advice I was half expecting him to have an ashtray down to his right.

The force sounds sensible. Where did you find that mentioned?

Jonathan, I found it in one of Minch's books "The Vernon Chronicles"--but can't remember which volume.

I found it during a re-read of an effect/sleight that I originally had no interest in, so I by-passed the entry and never read it.

Thanks, I'm enjoying considering the blocking/moment that goes with the method. Vernon seems to have made a lifelong study of excellence.

BTW Slydini used that idea for a different effect.

If this "blocking" has interest, you may want to review Minch's re-description of the DPS in Chronicles Vol #3; page 15, as another potential alternative. There are a myriad of ways to get into position.

I have regained my perspective on the beautiful simplicity of a card transformation. Vernon raved over Malini's quite difficult method and audience reaction.

BTW, I've re-visited Leipzig's Opener and modified/updated it entirely, still using peeks, but no classic side steal. Wonderful effect/response.

BTW Jonathan, I remember many decades ago, seeing you do the one handed top palm with only 2 cards. Obviously, it stuck in my mind!

Thanks- Fingertip traction helps.

I hope it is apropos to mention the grip Ricky Jay uses on the deck for the classic color change. Every time I've seen it I've been struck with the novelty of that handling but have never heard if it is his own handling or if he learned it from someone.

Speaking of photos of Vernon, I think this one has to be my favorite.

Wouldn't it be great to be sitting at that table; drinking a 5 cent cup of coffee; having a conversation with Vernon and Miller.

I am more intrigued that Vernon smoked like a chimney and somehow managed to live until 98 than any card trick he used to do.

Cool picture.

How about transporting back to this event:
Dan Cummings (The Vernon Chronicles #4, pages 245-253).