Saturday Night Contest - Roundtable with Jason England

[j.bayme]

It will be a little bit difficult for us to top the Magic-Con SNC that ended this past week. But tonight, we're going to give it a shot. Last night, we released the 437th 1-on-1 video from the hands of Jason England (okay, I may have made that number up). The subject was the Push Off Second Deal, which followed Jason's release on the Double Lift one week prior. If you haven't seen both of these videos yet, please push aside the rock under which you live and check them out now.

Tonight's event is a discussion with the man himself. A legend among serious card handlers, and a certifiable technician on the subject of card magic: Jason England. As we often mention, it is one of the goals of this site to connect each of you with this industry's most respected artists in a uniquely intimate, interactive manner. Tonight is your chance to ask Jason ANY question you wish. What do you want to know? What do you need to know?

This is a rare chance to gain direct, invaluable insight on any topic you choose. From the Zarrow Shuffle to the Double Lift to the Greek Deal to the Push Off Second Deal - one conversation with Jason could provide enough subtleties for you to improve your card handling skills for years to come. So now is your chance - ask away. All questions are fair game, and we will select as many questions as possible to answer in a podcast posted later tonight.

Limit of THREE questions per member, so choose your questions wisely and make 'em count. Questions must be posted in THIS forum thread on or before 10:00pm EST. Podcast will be posted at 11:00pm EST. PRIZE: one random member whose question is asked in the podcast will receive your choice of THREE 1-on-1 videos from Jason, sent on the house.

UPDATE: Podcast has been posted! Listen to it now here.

[adjones]

How many books do you own on the subject of gambling/magic/general card skills?

When you were a beginner, did you have a mentor to help you along?

Have you ever used your skills to cheat at a legitimate card game? Go Fish and Slapjack DEFINITELY count.

[Jack Webster]

1) on average how much to do time do you spend on a sleight before doing it in front of people?

[True2Coins]

Hi guys. I've been waiting for another discussion with Jason for a while. He's very knowledgable.

Jason, what do you think of the progression with gambling and magic. In other words, do you think we will break the habit of using magic to find hands of cards in novel ways or ever use it differently?

[True2Coins]

Here's another one Jason, I see a TON of people trying to explain techniques to audiences all the time. It seems like some of these people don't really care and they often don't when I try to do it. How do YOU think gambling routines should be approached when using exposing in the actual effect?

[LyleBorders]

Nobody is just magically born a card sharp. How did you gain your interest?

Gambling demonstrations are not your everyday entertainment. How did you get your start in performing gambling demonstrations?

How would you recommend that an aspiring card sharp get their start in the "big leagues?"

[TheCardician]

What books would you recommend to a beginner in gambling techniques?
Any crazy stories on getting caught cheating?
What is the most difficult move for you?

[Rneogy]

1. How does the Zarrow Shuffle work? (lol this probably won't get answered)

2. Where did YOU learn all the things you teach on 1-on-1?

3. What deck do you think is the best overall to perform your double lift with?

[Jack Webster]

2) What is the one piece of advice you would give to some one who knows a little about gambling sleights but still doesn't know that much.

[True2Coins]

Jason, how do you feel about branching out in magic? It seems from what we have seen, cards are where you stand and what you do specifically. Do you do any money magic or manipulation, maybe rubber bands?