Card Manipulation is an Art Form.

First off it is not magic. Far from it. It is a showoff of skill with Playing cards. How you handle them.

The Art has been given many names but the two names people see today are: XCM (Xtreme Card Manipulation) and the more modern term, Cardistry.

Card Manipulation is seen throughout the world. Magicians use it to spice up a performance, whilst some people make it their way of making money, by performing it at professional venues.
Poker players use it and Card Dealers can’t resist showing their skills off.

The “Xtreme” card manipulation is more for those who dedicate their time learning the art. Poker players tend to do it because its something to do with their cards. Magicians do it just to spice up a magic performance. XCMer’s do it because they love it and strictly dedicate their time learning new moves just so they have more to show off.

The Term XCM orginated and become popular because of a website known as Handlordz.com/Superhandz.com. These were run and maintained by artists known as De’vo and Jerry C. Two known names in the world of XCM. (see Video)

Cardistry is the newer, modern term for the art. Easier on the tongue. The two names have the same meaning. Cardistry orginated from the more modern artists with a very alternative style of manipulation. Many will state that Cardistry and XCM are very different and the reason for this is due to the style. Don’t be fooled though, the two are identical.

Cardistry focusses on the cutting side of manipulation. Whereby multiple card cuts are performed at speed giving the illusion of smooth and flawless card handling. Cutting is limitless as many routines are created each day, some similar to another, others completely different.

Two of the most famous Cardistry performers are Dan and Dave Buck (aka The Buck Twins). These brothers revolutionised card manipulation and brought it up an entirely different level of style. (See Video)

XCM focussed on a variety of moves. Armspreads, Fanning, Ribbon Spreads, Aerials and really was done by routines, whereby Cardistry focusses of individual cutting moves in any order rather than a flowing routine of a mixture of cuts and other performances.

However, they all have the same goal which is to show off card handling skills.

There are many places to learn Cardistry/Xcm. DVD’s are your best bet but there are certainly some very useful tutorials on Youtube.com. I personally have my channel (YouTube.com/cardshark88) and my Forums (The3c.info) which teaches and talks about Card manipulation. Check out youtube first though if you want to get started.

CS88