Counts, Cuts, Moves And Subtlety by Jerry Mentzer

Here at long last is a book of basic counts, moves, and maneuvers that are used primarily in tricks with small packets of cards. If you know nothing of basic card magic, this book will instruct you. Many of the basic counts such as the Elmsley Count, Jordan Count, Haback Count, Spirit Count, etc. are described. The Ascanio Spread and many other moves and false counts are also included.

This book is intended as a basic book for the card man -- experienced as well as the beginner. The book is typeset, perfect bound, and is illustrated with 79 clear photographs. 73 pages. Larry West wrote the introduction to the book he was the false countingest guy of which we know. He said that the book fills a real need.

Contents Include:

Introduction by Larry West

Chapter 1: Undercuts & Reversals:

Double Undercut: control to top or bottom
Braue Reversal: reverse one or more cards
Concealed Reversal: addition to Braue Reversal

Chapter 2: Counts, Move and Subtlety:

The Biddle Move (Elmer Biddle): remove one card from a group while counting
Hammon Count (Brother John Hammon): Switch one packet for another while counting
Veeser Count (Bob Veeser): variation of the Elmsley Count
Another Count: conceal bottom card of four
Flushtration Move (Brother John Hammon): apparently show all backs
Haback Count (Phil Goldstein AKA Max Maven): Show 5 as five, but some hidden
Olram Subtlety (Ed Marlo): Show cards while hiding one
Downs Change (T. Nelson Downs): change of one card for another
True or False (Jack Chanin): false count

Chapter 3: Elmsley, Jordan, Etc.

The Elmsley Count (Alex Elmsley): Also known as the "Ghost Count", Counting 4 as 4.
The Jordan Count (Charles T. Jordan): another 4 as 4 count
The Siva Count (Jack Avis): conceals center card of a 5 card packet
Open Count (John Murray): conceal 3rd card of 4
Smile Count (Larry West): conceals 3 card surfaces in a packet of 4
Pairs Count (Larry West): variation of Smile Count
The Spirit Count (Gene Castillon): a "2 and 2" count for a packet of 4

Chapter 4: Spreads

The Simple Spread: keeping a card concealed as a packet is spread
The Back Spread: backs up
Buckle Count: using buckling of the fingers
Ascanio Spread (Arturo de Ascanio): concealing a card in a fair looking spread
Details; Counts, Cuts, Moves, And Subtlety - A Book of Basic Card Techniques