THE METHOD:

The trick is easy to do and requires no more than practice to produce a

smooth presentation. Basically, the whole effect turns on the fact that the apparently
random method of calling numbers is really prearranged. The cards, or more precisely,
the numbers relating to the cards, are mentally held in groups of three, two and one.
::-Jereare the groups:

10

11

12

15

9 14 4

13

18

6 17

:1 19
2 20
1

16
So there are four groups of three numbers, three groups of two and two
groups of one number each. These groups must be committed to memory.
When the cards are collected from the spectators they are placed on top of
the pack, one by one, and each person is give a number, from one to ten, as his card is
taken. When number ten is reached, the left thumb is allowed to creep across the back of
the tenth card as it lies on the pack. The eleventh card, on being placed on the pack, is
given a strong crimp at its inner corner (see illustration FIG. 2.). The pack is tilted up
slightly as this is done, and if the reader tries this move he will find it quite easy. When
all the cards have been collected, the result will be that their numerical order will run
from twenty down to one, from the top of the pack.
At this point in the routine, Al Koran's procedure became typically direct.
Without any furtiveness, he picked up the blindfold (a large dark silk handkerchief,

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