| This is Al's version of this classic routine. Al has used this sequence to open his |
| close-up show for many years. It is proven with hundreds of performances. |
Begin by bringing forth a deck of cards.  The cards are removed from the case |
| and it is set carefully aside. The claim is made that the cards are marked. The |
| cards are spread. A card is slid forward at random and the performer looks at |
| the back and names the card. The performer turns the card face up and claims |
| there are two ways to read marked cards. One way is to look at the number in |
| the corner and the other is to count the pips. Then the performer demonstrates some |
| fancy cuts with the cards. The performer then claims the cards are not shuffled |
| and proceeds to mix them face up and face down. Almost immediately |
| the cards are spread and shown to be all face up. The cards are spread |
| and someone asked to touch a card. That card is put on top of the deck and |
| marked by a spectator. Then the card is turned face down and inserted into the |
| middle of the deck. The deck is squeezed |
| and the top card is turned up. The card is turned |
| face down The action of inserting the card into the middle of the deck |
| and having it appear on top is repeated three more times. Then the claim is made that |
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