The Arm Spreads

No. 1. The Spread and Turn-Over

This flourish is the basis of all the spreads which follow and should be mastered before the others are attempted. It is not difficult but, as with all good sleights, practice is necessary.

You hold the pack in the right hand in the position for springing the cards from hand to hand. (Fig. 1). Extend the left arm straight out, level with your shoulder, the palm of the hand being uppermost, and your right side to the front.

With the right hand spring the cards along the left arm from the finger tips to the elbow, the first card overlapping the tips of the fingers about an inch. (Fig. 2). Close the left fingers under the first card of the line and so cause all the cards to reverse in turn. The arm must be kept straight and rigid and the cards should be in a direct line. (Fig. 3).