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BETWEEN THE LINES
GeMiNi Column Roger Klause April 1, 1997
"To understand the importance and monumental contribution to the
advancement of sleight of hand with playing cards, one must read between the
lines." ... Dai Vernon re: THE EXPERT AT THE CARD TABLE --Erdnase
"It is just as important to consider the lack of annotations made by the
Professor within his work REVELATIONS, as proof that the original material Is
beyond improvements." --Ricky Jay
The above comments are not exact quotes. I have taken the liberty to
paraphrase these two highly regarded experts by reading between the lines of
their original statements. Statements that were made in my presence. In other
words, no pun intended, it i s my own interpretation and understanding of what
these gentlemen had to say about a subject most dear to me.
More that one person has pointed out that there is a vast difference between
mere knowledge and true understanding. In a missive I received from Dai Vernon
in 1958, which is reproduced in ROGER KLAUSE: IN CONCERT, the Professor warns me
to ...
"First, you must thoroughly understand what you aim to accomplish...
then, you practice. Try to figure out the reason for every move. Otherwise, you
will just be a monkey, and there are too many of them among the
fraternity."
The Professor, certainly one to practice what he preached, took to heart the
advice given by Erdnase concerning comprehension before practice. With these
thoughts in mind, one must understand that there are no short-cuts to achieving
the desired results from practice. However, the true experts have a great
advantage when it comes to practice. Not only do they find practice enjoyable;
they have the desire and most of all, the passion for perfection.
The late Charlie Miller was fond of saying ... "It is amazing how well
one can execute a difficult maneuver after having rehearsed it two thousand
times." The legendary golfer, Ben Hogan once asked the now famous Gary
Player how often he practiced hitting golf balls. Player replied, ...
"Constantly!" Hogan said, with conviction... "Double it! "
As stated above, passion drives the experts. Egos drive the monkeys. The one
true ingredient which induces passion is a deep respect for the art and artists
in this wonderful field of magic.
My suggestion is that we thoroughly understand our true goals and
aspirations, commit them to paper and then, with an honest appraisal, read
between the lines. In this way, we might reduce our appetite for bananas.
Roger Klause
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