A big thank you to Allan Kronzek for agreeing to answer a few questions for the blog. Check out his 52 Ways to Cheat at Poker as well as the other books mentioned for more information on card cheating techniques.
1. How did you first become interested in gambling sleights?
My interest in gambling sleights comes entirely from my interest in sleight-of-hand card magic. Many of the advanced techniques with cards come directly from card sharps. The great sleight-of-hand artist Dai Vernon was mainly responsible for bringing this to the attention of the magic community.
2. What was the most interesting thing that you learned while researching the book?
I’d say it’s a tie between card-marking systems (most of which are not detailed in the book because of space), and the historical background of various moves and strategies, such as punchwork and collusion.
3. What is the most important piece of advice that you would give to someone who thinks they're being cheated?
Stop playing with those people and find a honest game.
4. Do you have an opinion as to the true identity of S.W. Erdnase?
A VERY convincing case was recently put forward that Erdnase was W.E. (Wilbur Edgerton), Sanders, son of a US senator from Montana! I urge you to check out the fascinating article by Marty Demarest in the September, 2011 issue of Genii, The Conjurors’ Magazine. I believe back issues are available from the publisher. I have also seen advertising for a forthcoming book called Artifice, Ruse & Erdnase: The Search for One Who May Not Want to be Found, by Hurt McDermott, to be published by lybrary.com. I know nothing more about it.
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Thats all for today, I hope you enjoyed it! Check back Friday for my review of The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton. If you have any question or comments please let me know, either in the comments below or at jeffsemonis at yahoo.com.
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