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Order Chaos
Order Chaos
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by Lew Brooks
The False-False-Shuffle
What follows is an idea that I had many years ago. I have never seen it written up or actually used by anyone as
a definite means to an end. The idea is to employ a particular shuffling method that will appear to be a normal
casual shuffle while at the same time you are actually working the deck into a final desired arrangement.
There is one particular aspect of the overhand shuffle that is very useful to the performer and that is the ability
to run or slip cards singly (i.e. one at a time) from the main pack into the other hand.
This ability to run any number of single cards allows for many different applications. To be able to employ the
FFS the performer must be able to execute the overhand run. The performer who shuffles in this manner can
be seen to be actually shuffling the pack in small groups while at the same time he will be controlling the end
result. This is a false-shuffle that is an actual shuffle (hence the name).
A VERY basic example lets say that the effect you are about to perform requires a small stack or set-up on
the top of the deck. Using our method, instead of starting with the setup on the top of the deck, we would have it
beginning at the 10th card down from the top maybe.
Then instead of doing one of the usual overhand false-shuffles we would simply shuffle in such a way as to
remove those top 9 unwanted cards.
Run 5 cards singly and then throw the remainder of the deck on top. Repeat this procedure but run 4 cards this
time and throw the deck on top.
This appears to be a couple of quick shuffles but in fact you have brought your set-up to the top.
These actions simulate the actions of a real overhand shuffle when done in a smooth and casual manner and is
especially deceptive when performed with a small packet of cards. You can vary the number of cards on top
of your set-up and the number of mini or run shuffles that you perform according to your own needs and
preferences.
Simply make sure that you run off, in total, the number of extra cards that you placed above your set-up. The
above idea is not original with me. It has been offered elsewhere and has probably been independently thought
of by many card workers.
What follows however I have never seen in another work. It is another, albeit more complicated, application of
the same basic principle.
Suppose that you are going to do an effect that requires that the entire deck be set-up, maybe in the Si-Stebbins
system or something else.
If this deck is removed from its card-box and is overhand shuffled a few times while initially pattering - the
impression should be given that you are handling a well mixed and shuffled deck. However, you usually cannot
actually shuffle a stacked deck and expect it to perform properly for you. Yes you can give it a few false-
table-riffles a la Zarrow, but suppose that there is no table available or that you are performing standing up or
maybe you just cant do a Zarrow shuffle.
After stacking the deck for the effect you now rearrange the stack by doing the following overhand shuffle.
Turn the deck FACE-UP and shuffle (run) five cards singly into your left hand, and then throw the rest of the
deck on top of these five.
Now repeat this procedure this time with four cards maybe.
Repeat with three cards. You are done. You have destroyed the set-up - but in such a way that a reversal of the
procedure will put the deck back in its desired original order. You now place the deck in its box and you are
ready for your performance.
When you take the deck out of the box you simply hold the deck as for a normal overhand shuffle (FACE-
DOWN this time of course) and do the reverse of the shuffles that you did to re-arrange the deck.
This is the exact opposite of what you did when preparing the deck beforehand. The deck is now in its original
order and yet you have apparently shuffled the deck.
Note the shorthand used for the procedure R3T, R4T, and R5T. This will be used throughout Stack Attack by
Lew Brooks.
You can use any numbers; just remember to REVERSE the procedure for the second handling.
If you chose to R4T, R6T, R3T (when face-up), you would then reverse this order of operations the second time
(when face-down) and you would R3T, R6T, R4T.
This method allows you to apparently shuffle a deck while in fact you are working it into the desired final set-
up order.
Lastly, the real meat of the FFS, this time using a small packet of cards.
Suppose that you had a packet of 10 cards with each one of the ranks from Ace to 10. If these 10 cards were in
this order (A,6,7,5,4,3,2,10,9,8 reading from left to right or from top down of a face-down packet) you might
fan out this packet and show the cards to be in a somewhat mixed-up order.
Now turn the packet face down and hold in the right hand and perform the following FFS:
R3T, R4T, R5T.
Remember that this means to Run 3 and Throw, Run 4 and Throw, and Run 5 and Throw.
Now turn the packet face-up and again fan out the cards. If you have followed the instructions correctly you will
find the packet is now in order Ace through 10.
VOILA!
This can be made as simple or as complicated as you want. You simply fit the numbers to the effect.
The False-False-Shuffle will be used throughout this book. Again - if performed in a smooth and casual man-
ner you will be conveying the impression that the deck or packet is being mixed.
It is this state of mind on the part of the spectators that will allow you to perform some pretty good effects.
Order out of Chaos
The following effect epitomizes the use, and the strength, of the FALSE-FALSE-SHUFFLE.
There are some effects known to most wherein the magician ends with the cards in order. Usually he spells
or counts or uses a duck-and-deal procedure to accomplish the result. I think that this is the first time that a
new method like this has been used to create an interesting, puzzling, and surprising result from and old idea of
Now theyre mixed - Now theyre not!
All of the 13 cards of one of the suits are removed from a shuffled deck. These cards are then subjected to a
series of additional shuffles and cuts. When finished, the 13 card packet is shown to be in perfect order Ace
through King (or King through Ace if you prefer). This is accomplished in a surprising manner and is accompa-
nied by some interesting
THE SET-UP:
Remove all of the Hearts (or any suit) from a well shuffled deck. Now arrange these 13 cards in one of the fol-
lowing set-ups:
NOTE: The order of the set-up must be maintained even though it can be spread throughout the deck. Either or
both of the arrangements above can be used. If you are going to use both in the same deck, you might arrange
one suit one way and the other suit the other way with both spread randomly throughout the deck.
THE PERFORMANCE:
You are now ready to perform the effect. Bring out the deck and begin to patter:
Recently scientists have begun to study a new field called Chaos Theory. The other day I asked a lady in my
audience, Maam, do you know what Chaos is?
She gave me a strange look and answered - Of course I do, Ive got three little kids.
Well - for those of you who may not know what Chaos is... Chaos is described as a confused or disorganized
state... a condition of disorder... a situation ruled by randomness.
Tonight were going to try a little experiment - and maybe play around a little bit with Chaos.
A common everyday object that can be used to illustrate chaos is a normal shuffled deck of cards like this one.
For this particular experiment we will need to use only one of the four suits. Lets use the Hearts.
You may proceed just as in the patter above or you might actually give the spectators a choice of one of the red
suits. In which case you must have both the Hearts and Diamonds set-up and spread throughout the deck ready
to be used.
You might even have all four suits set-up and ready to go. You could then allow the spectators to choose which
of the four suits will be used in this effect. In this last case, I would have two of the suits (say Hearts and
Spades) set-up in one order and the other two suits set-up in the other order.
When it has been determined which suit you will be using, you turn the deck face-up and begin to spread it from
your left hand into your right hand, as you look for each of the Hearts (or whatever suit is being used). As you
reach the first Heart, you simply drop it face-up onto the table. As each subsequent Heart is found, you drop it
out of the deck onto the growing pile in front of you.
The spectators see the cards being removed, and they are apparently in a shuffled or mixed-up condition. After
you find all of the Hearts set the remainder of the deck aside. It will not be used.
You now pick up the 13 card pile and comment on its disorder, its randomness, and its state of chaos. You
may even briefly show it to the spectators. The set-up will not be apparent and the cards indeed do appear in a
random order.
Now turn the packet face down and hold it in position for an overhand shuffle as you patter:
We are going to increase the randomness. We are going to increase the disorder. We are going to see what hap-
pens.
As you are saying the above you will perform the FFS.
Here is what you must do. Run 3 cards and throw the rest on top (R3T).
Our last sequence will add something a little new. Do this: Run 5 cards and then run the 6th card but in-jog
it (fig. 1) and throw the rest on top (R5IT). Now you must cut the packet below the in-jog and complete the cut
(CI).
Hold the packet face down in the left hand and feed
the top card off into the right hand.
Feed off the next (3rd) card and this time take it UNDER the two cards already there. (fig. 3) Push off another
one and take it on top. Next one goes under, next one on top etc...
Continue to feed the left hand cards into the right hand one at a time and alternating top, bottom, top until all of
the cards are in the right hand.
Lets see... in a regular cut, cards are taken from the top
and placed on the bottom. So maybe in an un-cut we
should take some cards from the bottom and place them
on top.
End note:
I have performed this effect for many, many magicians and I can tell by their looks, and the comments that they
make, that this effect can really fool them.
The concept is so novel (the FFS) and the ending so surprising that when the shuffles are performed in a smooth
and casual manner magicians are caught completely off-guard. Lay spectators accept it as either real magic or as
a display of great skill.
Your patter and handling will guide them to which of these two conclusions that you prefer.
Whats next?
What you should do...
When performing with a stacked deck, the entertainer is usually free from
worries about sleights that might go wrong or a gimmick that wont do
its thing at the proper moment.
You dont have to know any false counts, false deals, multiple lifts, passes, shifts or palming for the effects
described herein.
All of the effects included in this e-book will use some form of a stacked deck, usually just a few cards, some-
times a half-deck or so. Hence the title...
BugHouse Poker:
Relate how you entered a Poker Tournament and demonstrate how you produced the winning hand in a very
unusual manner. Are you just lucky or is it magic? Absolutely NO SKILL REQUIRED.
Bughouse Blackjack:
A perfect follow-up to Bughouse Poker, but with a Blackjack theme. Like BugHouse Poker, learn to perform
this immediately after reading it.
Kangaroo Kid:
An Aussie teaches you how to play Outback Poker with some magical happenings... and a couple of drinks. A
real stunning self working routine you will add to your repertoire immediately.
Red/Black Location:
Differentiate between red and black with just the touch of your finger. The method is so simple, you will fool
yourself!
...produces stunning results...each of Lew Brooks themes is better than good and I like the
lines and presentations...Highly recommended! - Jeff Busby