A Routine for Arm Spreads

With a view to helping the reader to arrange a series of arm spreads and catches the following is taken from that classical work on Card Magic, "The Art of Magic." The manipulations that follow are those adopted by Mr. J. N. Hilliard, the editor.

a. Left arm spread, toss and catch.

b. Right arm spread, toss and catch.

c. Spread on right arm, catch in right hand.

d. Spread on right arm, toss and catch the line of cards on the opposite side of the arm.

e. Turn the line over, toss into the air and catch in the right hand.

The five movements should follow one another quickly, the time taken up being about twenty seconds.

The student should thoroughly master No. 1 Spread before attempting any of the other sleights. With this at his finger tips the rest of the flourishes will give him little trouble.

SIZE="+2">No. 10. The One Hand Catch

For this difficult flourish you stand facing the audience. Hold your right forearm, elbow bent, horizontally in front of the body. With the left hand spread the cards on the back of the right forearm, starting at the finger tips, the first few cards overlapping them to the front, and extending the line of cards for not more than twelve inches.

Turn to the left with a slight upward jerk of the arm leave the cards in the air, bring the right arm back and up sharply, and with a quick forward lunge catch the cards, the thumb being under them and the fingers on top.

An elaboration of the flourish is to divide the pack, spreading one-half on the right arm and the other half on the left. Both portions are then thrown into the air simultaneously and so caught. A brilliant effect that will require some practice.

End of Card Manipulations No. 2.