Chris Brown – The Optimus Shuffle

Episode Vlll – The Optimus Shuffle is a move I created about 6 years ago. Later I discovered it is most closely related to Eric Anderson’s “Shufflesque” from his book with David Harkey entitled “Ah-Ha”. I’d like to thank one of my mentors Brian Hart who tracked down this reference for me. What makes the Optimus shuffle different is the ending. Every other false shuffler has a style surrounding their handling with their own ending. This move is designed for the modern day flourisher that wants all his/her moves to transition from one to the next like visual eye candy. Along with the false shuffle I also teach the Optimus Cut and Optimus false cut so that all your cuts look seamless should you choose to cut the deck in this fashion from now on. The normal cuts I included are designed to look identical to the false shuffle strip out finish. Many past card handlers such as Guy Hollingworth, Hofzinser, and Heinstein also have their own methods of accomplishing this principle. The finish to the Optimus Shuffle feels very Alejandro Portellaish in that the packets hinge forward and backward to meet each other and connect. Thus living up to the “Optimus” in its name. When done, it feels very silky and sleek. The crazy part is that even if you flash 100%, the spectator doesn’t feel like anything suspicious has happened. They watched the cards interweave and cascade into each other while at the same time hearing it loud and clear. During the strip out it appears to be a simple cut and nothing more. Little do they know what your devious digits have just accomplished. The false shuffle is one of magic’s knackiest and most useful utility moves. It is entirely up to your imagination what you could do with this in your toolbox. Enter the prime. Welcome to the Optimus Shuffle.