This force is a departure from the usual run, since the deck itself is resting on the table at the time that the actual force is made. Other features of it make the entire procedure appear to the audience as fair beyond a doubt. The flexibility of this method allows not only the force of a single card, but also the force of any number of cards and the force of one card any number of times. There is no uncertainty as to the results; the force is positive.
Assuming that you have control of the card you wish to force, bring it to any convenient number near the top of the deck, say third. Step beside your table or a chair, with your left side a little bit toward the audience and place the deck on the table beside you. Explain that you are going to pick up the cards from the deck one at a time and you would like to have someone in the audience stop you at any time by simply saying “STOP”. (If you prefer you can ask for a number between 1 and 52, but this explanation assumes that you are using the first procedure, the method being just the same.) While giving your explanation, start picking up the cards one at a time but do so without undue care. As you place the first one in your left hand, put it in the position shown in fig.1, just as a deck is held for dealing. If your forearm is about parallel with the floor, the position of the left hand will be both natural and convenient for receiving the cards. The second card is picked up and placed on top of the first as the left thumb raises up to accommodate it. Each successive card is handled in exactly the same way.
However, after you place the third (the force card) card on top of these and are reaching for the next card the left thumb draws back the force card about half an inch. The card picked up is placed on top and kept squared at the front with the others. You see it as in fig.2. It is concealed from the audience by the left hand, and by slightly tilting the front of the deck upwards. Continue picking up the cards until you are ordered to stop. If you happen to be picking up a card or have one in your hand at this time, ask the spectator if he wants it replaced on the deck or placed on the packet in your hand. Comply with his wish. In any case, the last card placed on the packet is drawn back even with the protruding force card beneath it as though you were preparing to turn it face up – see fig.3. The two cards are drawn back about an inch and a half, being held by the right fingers as in fig.4. Draw the cards toward you and free of the deck, immediately turning them face up on the deck – the force card showing. If the nature of the trick requires it, you do not have to turn the card up exposing it to yourself. Just draw the cards from the deck keeping the ends squared between the thumb and first finger with the sides held against the second finger and the back toward you. After showing the card, replace it on the packet and place the deck on top of it.
If you wish you can continue the above procedure and force the same card on several people. At the point where you show the card to a spectator you replace it (really two cards) on the packet again. Do this by placing the cards so they protrude at the rear but continuing the move by sliding the top one even with the front edge. This leaves the force card protruding as in the beginning of the force.
Simply have the cards to be forced at known positions from the top or have them all together at a position near the top. Proceed in the same manner as for forcing one card. Each time you come to a force card, draw it to the rear as it is placed on the packet. Each time you are told to stop, draw off the under one of the force cards. Thus each time you apparently turn over the card stopped on. The features of this method make possible a new degree of fairness and freedom in the presentation of some of the standard effects. From the spectator point of view, I believe that this method is one of the best extant. The deck resting on the table dispels thoughts of manipulation.
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