The Pinky Break
 

Hey guys, I'm a bit ashamed to say this, but I still have not learned the proper method to establishing a pinky break without riffling constantly. Is there anyone who would be willing to give me help, or show me different methods to help with this?

I used the riffling to get the pinky break concept for the first 3 years of my card magic :D It's amazing~!

I can try and help you out if I can come onto tinychat tomorrow. I'll try to make it, but I can't guarantee it.

i know 3 ways to make a pinky break, but since i learning a DL that doesn't require that, i only use 1 of them from time to time, may be i could make a small video showing 2 of the methods briefly. And check Albert's DL tutorials, the last DL he taught requires a pinky break and he taught how to make a break( but used only in real life, where misdirection is involved).

I'll name the 3 methods here:
- pinky count( hard as hell)
- push off
- and finally thumb riffling, it's easy, it's good and you don't need more than a second to use it, i used to use this every time i need to do a double, but the fact that people now constantly look at my hands without a second of thought kinda kills it

I have been looking into the pinky break myself. I need to figure out the method.

I can get the pushoff while practicing, but I can never use it for my live performances.

The thumb riffling is what I always use.
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Also, I don't know if I can get on either, Albert.

i'll upload a video of me briefly showing you how to do pinky count and push off in a real life situation, but don't expect much, i'm not exactly someone who uses a break that much...


BTW, idk if i said this in the video since i have very short term memory, but you don't really use a push off to do a DL that much, it is the most convenient for a break under 1 card( for "hedberg's peak", loading 1 to a 4 cards pack, sandwich...), but you don't really use it much with anything other than that( a break under 1 card, you can technically do 3-4 cards, but the precision is ridiculously hard)

Firstly I used the push off method, but then I've learned the pinky count, it is a really versatile move.Its not that hard, once you gain enough finger strenght.I bought some really hard and stiff cards - "Modiano Trieste"(they are the only poker size cards that are in my local book stores)and practiced with them.For less than a week I was able to perform it live freely.So I suggest you to get your stiffest cards and start practicing the pinky count :)

I agree with Kevo. I'm using the pinky count right now and have been practicing it with the guardians deck I bought a few years ago. The guardians are thicker so I find it helpful for developing pinky strength. You can even just put more cards in the deck to make it thicker.

But in all honesty, I still use the back riffle with the thumb and the front thumb riffle for breaks from time to time. So there's nothing to be ashamed of David. It's just all up to style for that person. If it works for you, then it works. Nobody should really have a say in that.

Thank you Thuy, that was indeed VERY helpful. I haven't tried it myself, but I have a very good idea of it. What I'm trying to use it for is a variation of Mark's 'On Top of the World' that I created myself. After watching it without misdirection, it looked very flashy.

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Albert, the back riffle is very good, but I need to switch it up a little bit. I do not always perform for different people, so my spectators are trying to see through my moves, haha.

no problems, misdirection is needed in both back riffling and pinky count( you saw how big the initial break could be right? so it's certainly is hard to get them not to see it), so if your spec is trying to ruin you... you'd be better off learning Mark's DL( idk what it's called, but Paul Wilson's DL workshop taught a similar move that i now use)... but it's your choice.

I usally use a push off when practicing but I always pry the cards with my thumb when performing while talking to them. I get away with it because it looks like I am fidiling with ther cards but I need to start doing push offs. What is the pinky count? I have heard of a pink pull down is it similar.

The pinky pull down and pinky count is very similar.

The only difference is that the pinky count starts counting the cards (by riffling) from the top of the deck.

The pinky pull down is when you pull down on the bottom card(s) with your pinky to obtain a break. So it's simply a matter of where you are trying to get the break from, I think.

same thing, basically, you use your pinkie to do all the work while you talk, it will begin to feel like you've just burnt for pinkie or something if you practice it constantly. riffling gets away with most stuffs, so don't try and practice the push off if you're just gonna make a break with it( by that, i meant there are other things you can do with it, but it'll be exposure if i say any more)

I usually just use the pinky count to get a break. Erm, I push x amount of cards off if I am lazy, but I never do that in front of other magicians.

Now guys, watch as I do pinky push-ups to get enough strength for a pinky count. :)

Also, welcome to the forums, GloriousMagic! (A little late, I apologize :()