The Force
The sleight with the above title consists of compelling a spectator to select a certain card, and is indispensable in certain tricks. It is next to impossible in writing to teach
the novice to force a card; but the idea will very soon become apparent after the learner has made a few experiments.
The card which you desire selected is, in the first place, either at the top or bottom of the pack, the pass is now made (bringing the particular card to the middle) and the pack
spread out fanwise, the second finger of the right hand mean-while pressing on the bottom of the necessary card, as in Figure 4.
Figure 4
A spectator is now asked to select a card from the pack, the performer meantime running the cards quickly from hand to hand, and, as the drawer's fingers approach the pack, the
second finger of the right hand literally pushes the desired card into his hand, as in Figure 5, which represents the card being pushed forward. The card to be forced should be a
little more exposed than the rest. This, however, is only the A B C of the "force," the successful operation of which can only be accomplished after innumerable trials. Above all,
don't be in a great hurry to get it over.
Figure 5
Endeavor to appear to be absolutely indifferent as to where the card is taken, even going so far as to say: "Have your choice, sir; take any card you wish."
If by any chance the force fails, and another card is chosen, the performer need not fear a contretemps, but with a "Thank you, sir; kindly re-place your card anywhere you like in
the pack," put the little finger on it, make the pass bringing it to the top, from which position it can be palmed off, or the trick finished as fancy dictates. The first card is now
"forced" on some more accommodating person.
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