Building a Repertoire for Spectators

“Are you doing magic tricks?”

We’ve all been there...

Whether it’s a family member or random patron at a bar, our quiet shuffling has inevitably attracted the attention of someone nearby.

At this point, seasoned cardists may launch into a well-established repertoire of moves they show to someone seeing cardistry for the first time. However, many cardists may simply show what they’ve been working on or some of their favorite packet cuts, without much thought given to their newfound audience.

These days, most of the creative output in the cardistry community is funneled into packet cuts. While a new grip or mechanic may be impressive to us, that doesn’t necessarily mean it evokes the same reaction from someone seeing cardistry for the first time.

It takes a trained eye to notice the intricacies and differences between packet cuts, and without it, they can appear indistinguishable from one another.

This is worth considering when showing cardistry to a new audience.

If you show a non-cardist five packet cuts in a row, you may as well have shown them the same cut each time. There are, of course, exceptions to this. For example, Sam Pratt’s Riffle Shuffle Cut would likely be easy to separate from Quentin Dugan’s Ladies and Gentleman, but this still only displays one area of cardistry.

If you haven’t already considered this perspective, it may be worth constructing a repertoire of your own for introducing someone to cardistry.

Consider the breadth of possibilities: one-handed cuts, springs, aerials, flares, isolations. Showing a spectator one move from each of these categories likely goes further than five or six consecutive packet cuts. This isn’t to say packet cuts aren’t important—they should absolutely be in your routine. However, the impressiveness of packet cuts for non-cardists comes primarily from performance, so select a couple that you can’t miss. Also, moves with visible mechanics and a clear theme are always a great choice.

Be sure to take note of which moves get the best reactions.

In my own repertoire, I make sure to include some card shots and repeating moves like L-Cuts, as they consistently get great responses. Springs and displays are also quite effective, so I usually include those as well. By showing a variety of moves, you increase the odds that a particular style catches their eye.

So, next time someone asks what you’re doing, consider yourself a window into an entirely new art form. It’s your opportunity to inspire curiosity within others and admiration for cardistry as a whole.

To leave them with a lasting impression, it’s important to show them the best cardistry has to offer.

— Conor

1. Maks

@maks_krest has consistently shared clever and innovative moves, and it’s well-deserved that he’s finally featured for this month’s Move of the Month.

His 5-packet cut grabs attention right from the start with an unexpected moment. The initial motion feels almost mechanical as he pushes a packet behind another, triggering two perpendicular packets to move up and down simultaneously, creating symmetry between the elements in motion. Every transition is executed with precision, and each packet moves with purpose, as if it’s naturally falling into place.

The multiple thumb regrips throughout the move showcase his mastery and control, demonstrating not just technical skill but a refined sense of timing and flow.

2. Zuhayer

With a clever use of physics, @malikzuhayr left us in awe with this "little idea [he] might expand on"—though it already feels fully realized!

The way he utilizes the central packet to pop the other cards outward is a standout feature, adding a dynamic element to the movement. Then, the flawless collapse of all the packets together at once is the perfect finishing touch.

What makes this move particularly impressive is its accessibility. The clean display and cohesive theme make it easy for anyone, even a layperson, to appreciate and understand, making the elegance of the performance shine through effortlessly.

This move is a perfect example of what we’re talking about in the article above when saying “moves with visible mechanics and a clear theme are always a great choice”.

3. Greg

Last but certainly not least, @grgmln delivers an impressive showcase of skill with this intricate 4-packet cut.

This move is a perfect embodiment of the term “sprezzatura,” which Sam Pratt discussed at Cardistry Con. It demonstrates how a challenging flourish can be performed with effortless elegance—just look at how seamlessly he regrips the packets throughout. At one point, he even flips the entire move on its head, continuing with effortless execution.

What also stands out is the consistent use of both the long and short edges of the deck, adding a deliberate and meaningful touch to the performance. The movement of the packets often involves one flipping or sliding onto another, almost as if a hinge is connecting them, highlighting the finesse and flow that define the move.