How to start learning cardistry?  

This is a question we get asked quite often by our followers on social media, as well as by our first-time customers who buy their first deck of cards in our store. We have published our first video in 2009 and since then we've had the privilege of exchanging experience with the world's finest cardists at Cardistry-Con meet-ups in Los Angeles, Hong Kong & Portland. We could not make it to the conferences in San Diego 2022 and London 2023 because russians have waged a war of aggression against Ukraine, hence our priorities shifted; simply surviving and helping the Armed Forces of Ukraine has become essential.

However just recently we managed to make use of some free time and film a short cardistry video guide for beginners. Cardistry is a handy hobby (sorry) that helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and since recently it's a niche art form that hundreds of talented creators across the globe make a living off.

1:22 which deck of cards to choose?

You can't go wrong purchasing any deck in our shop. We curate only the best playing cards from leading brands in the USA, Europe and Asia, which we tried and tested firsthand. We would not recommend beginners buying expensive cards, because if you're really determined to learn something, you'd be surprised how fast your new deck of cards is going to be ruined. However, there's no need to get stressed - even the cheapest deck of cards produced by the United States Playing Card Company will cost you $3-$5 and will last 1 to 4 weeks.

2:12 how to train?

Your workplace and the way you handle a deck makes a difference. The less times cards fall onto the ground, the more motivation you will have to pick them up (preferably from conveniently placed a close-up mat) and continue working on a card manipulation again.

3:18 main deck grips

Which hand should hold the deck at the beginning of a flourish? How to properly hold a deck of cards? Don't skip this part.

5:49 one-handed flourishes

The learning process should probably begin with basic flourishes like the Charlier Cut. After mastering that classic move, you'll unlock a plethora of much more sophisticated and exciting one-handed cuts. However, you may feel free to take on classic manipulations from the next chapters at the same time.

6:59 how to shuffle cards?

There's a big chance you've had experience of handling a deck of playing cards before you decided to give cardistry a try. If we consider overhand shuffle a level 0 card manipulation, you've got an opportunity level up by mastering Faro, Riffle, One-Handed Shuffle.

7:38 how to fan cards?

Looks amazing, seems easy, but out of all moves it's fans that beginners are usually having hardest time mastering. No need to look for fanning powder or a special card finish. Any deck in our store works well for fanning, however even practicing fans is always better with a brand new deck for better results.

8:02 dribbles, springs and spreads

In addition to shuffles and fans, dribbles, springs and in-the-hands spreads will help you break in a deck of cards, which is essential for taking on more advanced flourishes. We recommend you paying due attention to this chapter. 

8:52 one-card flourishes

First of all, they are practical. You'd be surprised how many cool card manipulations can be performed with just one card. Besides, you don't have to limit yourself to using specifically a playing card here. A credit card or a business card works just fine for card throws or a pirouette.

9:22 combo ideas

Upon mastering each of the basic techniques, you'll eventually be able to try simple combo moves and potentially create some of your own. There's no such thing as perfection in cardistry, but coming up with your own iconic flourish or combo is a dream of arguably every cardist.

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Don't get discouraged and get ready that you'll have to put in months and even years of practice to reach visible progress.

Want something special? Recently we've released a tutorial for a viral Super Fan. If you're familiar with the LePaul Spread & Faro mechanics, you're going to crack this card flourish in no time.