Magic Video|Mentalism & Hypnosis - Essential Sleights for Mentalists by John Riggs

Elevate Your Mentalism with John Riggs' Essential Sleights

Originally introduced to widespread acclaim at the 1995 Las Vegas Meeting of the Minds, John Riggs' groundbreaking lecture on essential sleights for mentalists quickly proved to be a pivotal moment for aspiring and seasoned performers alike. Recognizing the critical demand for in-depth instruction, Riggs has meticulously expanded this vital topic into an extensive, two-hour discussion, ensuring every nuance is explored. This isn't merely a collection of useful tricks; it's a foundational toolkit of indispensable techniques designed to make you a more capable and confident mentalist.

Master Core Techniques for Any Scenario

Within this comprehensive program, John Riggs delves into sleights that are not just handy, but truly 'lifesavers' when you find yourself in a challenging situation. Armed with the moves and insights shared, you'll gain the ability to execute a virtually unlimited assortment of mentalism effects. The versatility of these sleights is remarkable, equally effective whether you're working with standard playing cards, index cards, postcards, or even business cards. The DVD also includes dedicated sections on the strategic use of a shiner and various coin sleights, broadening your performance horizons.

Comprehensive Curriculum: What You'll Discover

The wealth of knowledge packed into this over two-hour presentation is extraordinary. You'll explore essential card controls and manipulations, including the nuances of crimps and bridges, nail nicks, and the pivotal double-lift and turnover. Riggs provides a thorough understanding of the key card concept and multiple methods for locating and controlling cards. Advanced techniques like the Hofzinser Spread control (with several variants) and the Classic Pass and Turnover Pass are broken down for deeper application. A diverse array of false shuffles, suitable for all skill levels, from maintaining setups to full-deck stacks, is meticulously taught, alongside a detailed discussion of the Henry Hay False Dovetail Shuffle. Beyond cards, master coin switches for mentalism applications and learn how to expertly introduce and remove a shiner gimmick from play. An invaluable PDF book containing all the discussed material is conveniently included on the DVD for easy reference, allowing you to study and practice at your own pace.

Original Specs

I originally presented this lecture in 1995 at the Las Vegas Meeting of the Minds, and it became apparent to me, due to the enthusiasm with which it was received, it was a topic Mentalists welcomed. I realized I needed far more than the limited time I was allotted to do the topic justice.

In this TWO HOUR discussion, I cover sleights I consider essential to the working Mentalist. Not useful, not handy—but ESSENTIAL. Some of these sleights are lifesavers if you find yourself in a tight corner, and armed with this toolkit of moves and techniques, a virtual unlimited assortment of effects is possible.

The sleights I demonstrate are equally useful with Playing Cards, Index Cards, Postcards, and Business cards. There is also a section on the use of the shiner, and a section on coin sleights. The book is included as a PDF on the DVD. Put it in the drive on your computer, click on the DATA folder, there it is!

On this DVD, I cover:

Crimps and Bridges
Nail Nicks
The Double-Lift and Turnover
The Key Card and how to use it
Various ways to locate and control cards
The Hofzinser Spread control and several variants
The Classic Pass and Turnover Pass for more advanced applications
A variety of False Shuffles for all skill levels and applications, from maintaining a red-black setup to maintaining a full-deck stack.
A thorough discussion of the Henry Hay False Dovetail Shuffle from the Amateur Magician’s Handbook
Coin switches and their application in Mentalism
The use of a shiner and how to ring the gimmick in and out of play

And more, or course.

Run time over two hours.