There has long been a need for a simple and deceptive way of dealing seconds. This method was devised to fill that need. Take a sharp razor blade and slit along the long edge of the closed end of your card case at the opposite side to the flap. Make the slit exactly along the crease of the cardboard and it will not be noticeable. Sometimes the whole end of the case will open out when you do this. When this happens, a couple of daubs of glue on the side tabs will remedy the trouble.

Now, if the cards are put in the case with their faces towards the flap, the thumb can shove the top card back through the slit until its outer edge is hidden by the case. In presenting a trick with the prepared case, a card is chosen, replaced and shuffled to the top. The performer explains that he will put the cards in their case to prevent any possibility of manipulation. He does so, secretly shoving the top card through the slit as just described. The left hand grips the case from above, fingers at the left side and thumb at the right, with the hand far enough back to conceal the projecting card. The little finger rests on the end of the card, ready to shove it back into the case.

A spectator is asked to name a number. The thumb of the right hand pulls off cards from the top of the pack until one less than the number named has been reached. This is easily done by gripping the cards through the cutaway circle at the end of the case. As the right hand comes up for the next card, the left little finger shoves the chosen card in flush with the end of the case, and the right hand pulls it out and shows it to the audience.

Two or more cards may be controlled in this way as easily as one. Simply shove a small bunch of cards through the slit instead of but one. It does not matter if more than the correct number are shoved through. When you have produced the first card, throw it out face down and ask the selector to pick it up and identify. While he is doing so, turn the case over so that the cards lie against the side on which the slit is, and with the first finger of the left hand push the top card – or cards – back through the slit; then continue as above. As a variation, cards may be spelled out letter by letter, using their own names or the names of the selectors.