I've been performing at social gatherings, have always looked for unobtrusive ways to introduce card illusions. As several have already said, few people are really interested in just seeing another card trick. But if you throw a $100 bill on the table, suddenly you have everybody's attention! At that point you can smile big and introduce yourself as Johnny Cardcheat (you choose the name) and "let me be your entertainer for the next few minutes. I'll show you why you don't play cards with a professional gambler!" Depending on your knowledge of card games, you can then have several of them participate in a round of Poker, Blackjack or whatever, and use your card management skills to create winners and losers. Pass out some stacks of $10 bills for them to use for betting (they'll return them afterward). Assign them fake names and nationalities (all in good fun), then harass them as they attempt to win the round. Amazingly they'll think they can win even against a known cheat, I guess they think the cheat will screw up! This has proved to be a good social mixer and a chance for everybody to have some great fun, whether they "win" or "lose" their bet money. Interest really grows if the pot gets big.
I've had people tell me they enjoyed these fake games months afterward.
I've included some pics of recent poker rounds I dealt recently. The fun is obvious. Your "dealer costume" is optional but adds color.
Some notes:
1. One round is not enough. The players will "want another chance" so you need to be prepared to conduct an immediate second round of the game.
2. The easiest card management for me is the bottom deal and the second deal. Use these to feed desired cards to yourself or someone you publicly designate as your shill (adds interest).
3. Use your false shuffle and false cuts to retain stacked cards where you want them. Again, anticipate the second round in your setup.
4. Bend the rules of the game a little to enhance the chances of everyone to "win." In 5-card poker let deuces and jokers be wild. Let each player exchange one or two cards if they wish, deal these out face-up so everyone can see them and listen to the complaints or pleasure of the players.
5. Stay flexible. Anything can happen, including your own screw up. Keep it all in good fun. If someone happens to "beat the cheat" they'll really love it and you can whine and snivel about it to the laughter of everyone!
The point is this: The manipulation of the cards guides the action but is secondary. The participation and enjoyment of everyone in a social-mixing situation is primary. Worthy goals as we pursue the entertainment aspects of card illusions.
Enjoy the pictures. Note the bet money on the table.
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