Trouble understanding the Carnahan fan from DnD's 'Sleightly Magical'

Sam Hardy

Sam Hardy

Nov 30, 2007
682
1
Midlands, England
Hi guys, I'm having trouble learning the Carnahan Fan from Dan and Dave Buck's PDF "Sleightly Magical". I just can't seem to understand what they're trying to say. If someone could PM me explaining it better?

If you want proof that I own the PDF, 3 lines up from the explanation of the Carnahan is this - notes from "Hedberg's Peak"-

"Mitch Hedberg was on to becoming a living comic legend, but all the greats die from drugs, it's what they're for. If only his timing in life was as good as in his jokes. Anyway, this trick is a tribute to Mitch! Besides that, we needed a name for it."

If that's not enough proof, I can send a screenshot of the PDF if you wish.

Cheers,

~The Emogician~
 
Jordan Lapping

Jordan Lapping

Aug 31, 2007
269
1
32
England, UK
www.myspace.com
Farrell said:
It's all about practice.
Click to expand...

That, and experimenting. I think the description in Sleightly Magic is actually very good, this is not an easy item to explain in words. However, here's a simplified description that may help a little more to understand what is going on. I will be referring to the photos on page 15 of the PDF as I describe the actions:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Grip:
The position of the cards is the same as that of a normal Dealer's Grip, with the exception that the deck slightly deeper and that the index finger is curled beneath. With this, your thumb positions itself extended along the top edge of the pack. (Photo 1)

Now begin to extend your second, third and fourth fingers as far as you can, and continue to apply enough pressure with your thumb and index fingers (as to maintain a firm grip). (Photo 2)

The Fan (Opener):
The actions you will mimic is this: your index finger extends around your thumb and curls back in. The best say to describe this is like making an "OK" sign with the left hand. - The index finger starts curled beneath the thumb, and ends curled on top. (Photos 3-4)

The fingers must be extended far in order for the fan to flip around completely. (Photo 4 again) If not, you will find the cards to get stuck against your middle fingers, and therefore not blossom. From here, your index finger continue to curl to increase the size of the fan, whilst your thumb remains extended. (Photos 5-6)

The Fan (Closer):
Begin to uncurl the index finger so that your extended middle finger can contact the long edge of the fan. (Photos 5) From here, it is a simple matter of reversing the actions as stated previously, using your other fingers to support the fan. Thus, you end with the pack held in Dealer's Grip.

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As the PDF also states, it helps to use around half of the deck when first learning the fan (perhaps even less; maybe 20 or so cards).

All-in-all, this is just one of those things that requires a lot of practice and dedication. With some time, you will be able to perform this with no problems. :)

Warm regards,
Jordan
 
Jack

Jack

Elite Member
Sep 5, 2007
268
0
Decatur, GA
First, their advise about only using half the deck is good advise to follow. Second, I found that if you rotate your wrist clockwise (about 90 degrees so your palm is facing to the right) as the fan is opening you get a more even spread. Your wrist should finish rotating when the fan is complete. Hope that helps. Play around with the pressure in your grip as well. It's a knacky move but you'll get it.
Cheers!
 
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