DVD *RICHARD TURNER THE CHEAT-SPECIAL EDITION

Richard Turner has achieved legendary status in the world of card magicians. However, Richard Turner is not a magician nor does he claim to be one—he demonstrates card cheating. This single DVD is a re-release of his 1990 double-VHS set of the same title with the addition of a 13-minute biography. It includes snippets of his many television and personal appearances (including a performance with former Secretary of State, General Colin Powell acting as his on-stage assistant) and other activities including a look at his impressive Martial Arts talents. Of course, all of this is made even more impressive given that Mr. Turner is blind. The bio-segment advertises his show as well as his motivational speaking. When one weighs his skills and accomplishments with his handicap, it’s easy to see how Mr. Turner would make a most inspirational speaker. However, we are here to talk about his skills with playing cards.

This is strictly a performance and demonstration video with the stated purpose of “protecting yourself at the card table.” While Mr. Turner clearly demonstrates the techniques at his command, in no way does he teach the details and finesse that gives him that considerable command.

To properly learn these card cheating techniques (for entertainment purposes only, of course), a new student of card table artifice will need to go to the source material (starting with the classic Expert at the Card Table). I do believe that someone already possessing such a background might be able to learn from these demonstrations via observation and experimentation-and a lot of practice. With that in mind, the card enthusiast will want this DVD, even if only to watch Mr. Turner’s performance that was taped at The Magic Castle.

Of course it is the demonstration segments that are the meat and potatoes of this production. He demonstrates many each of the following: false shuffles including Overhand and Riffle technique and a Tabled Faro-Strip-Out. On top of that, he demonstrates a One-Handed Strip-Out False Shuffle. Next he delves into “nullifying the cut” using Shifts, Hops, Partial Shifts, and Crimps. Demonstrations of Palming, Riffle Shuffle Stacking and Run-Ups Using Tabled Faros, Switches, and Peeks lead up to the False Deals. These include many variations on Seconds, Thirds and Fourth Deals; Bottoms and Centers. There is an hour and a half of dazzling material here that will cramp your fingers. The demonstration segment was professionally shot in a television studio, including under the table views when needed, and narrated by voiceover artist, Jack White.