Card-sharpers, their tricks exposed, or, The art of always winning

1891·4.2 MB·English

by  Robert-Houdin, Jean-Eugène, 1805-1871

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Cornell University
Library
The original of tliis book is in
the Cornell University Library.
There are no known copyright restrictions in
the United States on the use of the text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924026470801
CARD-SHARPERS
— —
TWO SPORTING BOOKS.
Imp. i6tHff, cloth extra. Illustrated^price 3s". td. {^postage 5^.).
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NEWTON DOGVANE:
AStoryofEnglishCountryLife.
By FRANCIS FRANCIS,
Author op ^'SportingSketches with Pen andPencil" etc.etc.
WithIllustrations,engravedonSteel,byJohnLeech.
"Whenitissaidthat'NewtonDogvane'iswritten bythe late
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been given of a handsome and entertaining book."^ Baily's
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Crown %vo,picture hoards,2s. Cloth extra,35-.6d.{postage^d.).
HARD HELD. A
Sporting Novel.
By SIR RANDAL H. ROBERTS, Bart.
"Thedescriptionsofsportingscenes—oftrout-fishing,partridge,
shooting (with dogs),and arun—with fox-hounds,on a false scent
insidiouslyfurnishedbya'drag' aredecidedlygood." Ilhcstrated
LondonNews.
LONDON: SPENCER BLACKETT,
35, ST. BRIDE STREET, LUDGATE CIRCUS, E.C.
AndofallBooksellersandRaihvayBookstalls.
CARD-SHARPERS
THEIR TRICKS EXPOSED
OR
THE ART OF ALWAYS WINNING
TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH
^^ ROBERT-HOUDIN
BY
JOSEPH FORSTER
WITH EXPLANATORY DIAGRAMS
LONDON
SPENCER BLACKETT
35, ST. BRIDE STREET, LUDGATE CIRCUS, E.G.
1891
h.\-\\^^^^
PREFACE
On many occasions when I have been honoured by the
Benchbybeingconsulted as an expert in trials for cheating,
I have been frequently impressed by the fact that the want
ofknowledge of the subject has been an impediment in the
path of the judge. How, indeed, could he be expected to
understand the subtle schemes of the professional sharper?
How put his finger on the point in question, when he
knows nothing of the rascal's cunning manoeuvres?
By a singular contradiction to the ordinary course of
justice, while the offender, armed with tricks and audacity,
is strong, the judge is practically without defence and
helplessly weak.
Devoted for a partofmy life to the study of conjuring,
and having given my time to the amusement of the public,
I am of opinion that the time has arrived to return to my
supporters, who have honoured me with their applause, a
not equivocal mark of my gratitude in devoting my leisure
to their service.
I have therefore written this work, the object of which
may be summed up in this self-evident truth: "Enlighten
the dupes and there will be no more cheats."
But is it sufficient that a truth be uncontestable for it to
be uncontested? I do not believe it; and, to prove it, I
myselfadvance to meet a probable objection.
In unveiling the tricks of card-sharpers, do not you fear
PREFACE
vi
to supplycertain unfortunate playerswith the skillto correct
the rigours offortune?
I might content myself by replying that in making
public the following revelations, I am acting on principles
long since firmly established by the press and public writers
generally. Nevertheless, to respond more directly to the
objection I have stated, I will add that my exposures of
trickery and tricks, although quite sufficient to put the
public on their guard, are not enough for those desirous of
executing them.
Suppose, for instance, that I had not taken that pre-
caution, what would be the result? Why, that for one
already half-perverted person who might utilise myculpable
principles, thousands of dupes would by taking warning be
protected.
But if by these exposures bad instincts are awakened,
what are we to say of the numberless books on duelling,
where the art of killing his fellow-man is methodically
taught?
Should not we fear that the principles inculcated in
such books may lead to criminal actions?
I have myself an excellent opinion of the respectable
classes, and hope that the reading of my book will inspire
no thoughtbeyond that of guarding themselves against the
tricks ofsharpers.
Every one then in taking his part at cards, strong in
the information I have imparted, will read to his profit the
line of Virgil
:
Timeo Danaos et donaferentes*
* I dread evenapresent froma Greek.