Chapter five starts with the second deal and includes strikes, pushoffs, one-handed, and new-theory seconds. Sixty methods are presented—for comparison, Erdnase offered two methods that were described in four paragraphs. But the chapter digs deeper into this classic false deal by looking at over 25 technical considerations, 'demonstration seconds' (Marlo's 'no-touch' second versus Walter Scott's method), and questionable information. The section ends with 10 new-theory seconds.
Similarly, the bottom deal is next and starts with several technical considerations and the traits of the best bottom deals. About 25 methods and variations are presented including the standards, one-handed, and new-theory bottoms.
A short discussion of thirds, Greek-bottoms, and centers are offered without moves, as the research didn't uncover any mechanics specializing in these techniques. . . although several methods are included in the chapter on pseudo stunts.
Chapter 6
Chapter six was a last minute addition. Originally, about a dozen peeks were presented after the section on the second deal, but due to an inextricable link between the second deal and marked cards, it was necessary to include an introduction to marked cards—'blockout,' 'cutout,' 'sorts,' 'touch work' and more. The field of 'asymmetries' is also discussed.
Chapter 7
Chapter seven looks at a combined 30 mucks and holdouts, and about 20 coolers. About a dozen palms are presented along with several replacements and caps. The chapter ends with a variety of moves like 'discard switches' (poker), player/dealer card switches (blackjack), and more.
Chapter 8
Chapter eight offers my research and conclusions about Erdnase. The 130-page chapter essentially addresses one question: Was Erdnase a cheater who plied his trade with moves and systems that he invented? Unfortunately, my findings suggest that Erdnase was neither a cheater nor an expert at the card table! I expect this chapter to jolt many cardmen.
Chapter 9
The chapter on pseudo gambling stunts is presented in several genres: cutting the aces; false shuffling, stacking, culling, and dealing demonstrations; odds and ends; gambling flourishes; fakes (gambling moves), and impressions of my favorite artists. The last stunt presented is known as 'Total Recall Scanning,' a powerful memory demonstration and one of the most difficult stunts I do. To appreciate the scope of this chapter, approximately 250 stunts are presented.
Chapter 10
Chapter ten is very short. It opines some of the key points from the research, offers some advice for beginners and experienced cardmen, recaps my conversations with reviewers, and ends with a few parting comments.
