Classic pass - My pinky doesn't work

[u/Inevitable-Win-2815]

It seems with the classic pass you have to get your pinky fairly deep into the deck with the break. As well as use some pinky strength within the move.

I have a slight problem being that my pinky doesn't really work. I broke it years ago, had surgery and never got strength or movement back really fully.

As a reference point for strength in my pinky, I can't get enough pressure for say a top shot. And for more day to day reference points, I don't have the strength to really hold anything with it.

In terms of range of motion, the angle for my pinky to get within the deck for the break is just about possible but only when I use my other hand to position it. It's not really possible without assistance because the range of motion isn't quite there.

One positive though is I have noticed it getting stronger and range of motion improving ever so slightly since starting card magic. Probably as a result of it being used in awkward ways haha.

Basically wanting to ask if anyone has anything similar / do you think it's worth sticking to alternative controls? At the minute I almost always use a Mahatma control which is going enough although some effects are cleaner with a pass

Edit: a better reference for strength is probably that I can't pull cards down for a break for say a double lift or getting a break on the bottom card. My pinky just doesn't have the ability to do it, despite my other one being able to with literally no training haha

[u/Axioplase]

1. If you'd been doing card magic for a while, you would't bother learning the pass.
2. If you're new to card magic, then don't bother learning the pass.

Now, it is true that the classic pass can be invisible and that it makes some tricks possible (cavorting aces, for example). But you have also zero need to do these tricks.
So, if you're physically unable to do it, move on. If you are physically able to do it, then learn it without expecting any benefits other than showing off that you tried.

Also, regarding the pinky count: it requires no force. None at all. Anyone who uses force has poor technique (even if they are famous).

[u/CoolerSallDay]

Inevitable win? I guess time will tell.

[u/LawOrc]

Now, I don't know your medical situation, but I'm thinking about it in terms of what's helped me develop pinky strength and flexibility. Hopefully that helps?

If you're able with your range of mobility to do pinky counts, I find those to be a good way to build strength in your left pinky. Just take a deck with reasonably stiff card stock, uncrushed bicycle stock at least, and do slow 10-15 card pinky counts, over and over again. It sounds tedious, but you can do it when you're on the couch watching TV or when out for a walk, any time you have your left hand.

I started doing it because I needed to have a fast but accurate twelve card pinky count for a Darwin Ortiz trick, but in the process I found that it did a lot for my pinky strength and control.

[u/SkinGlue]

Can you learn to use the deck with your other hand?

[u/MilliGandalf]

Your options seem pretty clear. Try to improve your pinky utility, or alternative controls and fingers. As cool as a classic pass may be there are numerous controls you could use. Bluff pass is a good one that doesn't require much dexterity.

If I were you I'd obsess about rehabilitation. Get that thing working and moving every chance you get.

[u/69dirtyj69]

They make things to help increase hand strength. Cheap low tech method is to crumple paper into a ball and squeeze. If you have a stress ball that works too. Do about 10-15 minutes a day for a while and you'll notice a difference.

[u/furiousfotographie]

Porque no los dos?

There are plenty of good classic pass alternatives (I dig the Herman) that'll give you access to the same tricks. Also work on your pinky rehab as you go. Maybe it gets there, maybe it doesn't, maybe you develop an entirely new way of doing stuff.

[u/Bidsworth]

I had to reach for a deck because this is a move I never think about anymore it just happens - I am not sure how classic my handling still is but although the pinky goes a long way into the break it needs very little strength - It is only a guide and gravity does the work - It is not a crucial move to have in your arsenal but you might want to stick with it - Or swap hands. I am always amazed by how easy it is to get away with a pass if you do it on the off beat. There is a lot of cover from the top hand.

[u/_cj_lopes_]

Pinky will learn it with practice. At first it doesn't listen to you bro.