The Pinky Count and Pulldown (Practice) (Patreon)

How to do the pinky count and pinky pulldown -- the technique, the framing, the cover, the applications, and more.

PRACTICE DRILLS: 

1) Pinky count 4 cards, perform a quadruple lift (the mechanics are the same as a double lift, just with 4 cards instead of 2), letting the quadruple card fall flush. Once again pinky count 4 cards and turn the quadruple card face down. Pinky count 3 cards, perform a triple lift, letting the triple card fall flush. Then, pinky count 3 cards and turn the triple card face down. Repeat this process but with a two card pinky count and a double lift, then another two card pinky count so you can turn the double card face down. Finally, do a single turnover (without a pinky count, of course) that resembles your double lift as closely as possible. Then, repeat the double lift sequence, then the triple lift sequence, then the quadruple lift sequence. This will get you comfortable pinky counting different numbers of cards and performing different types of multiple lifts. Try to keep your handling consistent throughout. Note that after you let the card fall flush from each lift, you should return the cards to a standard dealing position and openly display the card. Then get back into pinky count grip (with one hand) to repeat the turnover. 

2) Begin in left hand dealing position. With the right hand, deal the top card face up onto the table. As you do so, shift the deck into pinky count grip. Then, pinky count the number of cards equal to the value of the card you just turned over (this is what I did in the "demonstration" section). For example, if you turn over a 3, pinky count 3 cards. If you turn over a 7, pinky count 7 cards. Aces are 1, jacks are 11, queens are 12, and kings are 13. For larger numbers, remember to split the "count" into groups of 3. After you finish the pinky count, secure a break and return the cards to dealing position. Then, with the right hand, reach over the deck and cut off all the cards above the break in end grip and put them on the table. Now, count the cards to be sure you pinky counted the correct number. This exercise is designed to help you practice both small and large counts. Eventually, try to do this while talking so that you can practice keeping track of the cards in your head while carrying on a dialogue. 

3) Instead of the whole deck, use just 10 cards. Pinky count 2 cards and do a double lift, letting the double card fall flush. Then, pinky count 2 cards again and turn the double card face down. Now, discard one card so you hold just 9 cards, and then repeat this double lift sequence. Then, discard another card, and repeat the sequence with a packet of 8 cards, and so on. Once you have just two cards remaining, add one card to the pile and work back up to 10. The point of this exercise is to practice the pinky count with a small packet of cards. This may require a slight adjustment to the position of the packet in your hand.