$9.99
ESTATE - Condition Very Good
Originally published in 1953 by the Ireland Magic Company, Card Man Stuff is Al Leech’s highly practical sequel to his classic For Card Men Only. True to Leech’s signature style, the 24-page booklet emphasizes direct plots, economy of movement, and routines designed to deliver maximum impact with a standard deck.
The material is commercial, avoiding over-encumbered, academic handlings in favor of clean-cut effects that play beautifully for both laymen and magicians.
Here is an overview of the key contents and themes found in the manuscript:
Core Routine Highlights
Quad Reverse: A clean multi-card revelation where the three mates of a selected card unexpectedly turn face up in the deck.
Eight Card Transposition: A snappy packet transposition where one group of four cards cleanly changes places with another.
Aces Red and Black: A direct, two-method routine handling the classic red/black separation and transposition theme on top of the pack.
Ace Sandwich: A fast-paced sandwich routine where a card caught between two Aces instantly transposes with another card in the deck.
Surprise Monte: Leech's take on the three-card monte theme, structured with a built-in kicker ending that catches spectators off guard.
The Sandwich Deal & A Reverse Discovery: Variations utilizing subtle card controls and pseudo-switches to build effortless revelations from apparently casual handling.
Key Philosophy & Sleights
While the effects do not require virtuoso-level finger flinging, Card Man Stuff is not a book for beginners. It relies heavily on a foundational mastery of card handling, smooth pacing, and smart misdirection.
The Cut-Deeper Force: The booklet features Leech's popularization and refinement of the Cut-Deeper Force (often credited to him or Ed Balducci around this era) using three distinct cuts to subtly force a card.
A Suspicious Move & Peek Reverse: Short chapters dedicated to utility moves, subtle card switches, and secret turn-overs that minimize unnecessary handling.