Praise from Sleight-of-Hand Artists
Sal Piacente
I personally think your accomplishments with the martial arts are far more incredible than your skill with the pasteboards (which is by far the best).
Paul Harris
Richard’s transcendent card handling artistry should be framed and displayed alongside this world’s most cherished expressions of perfect beauty.
The most recognized casino authority in the world today
A world class cardman and technician supreme, Richard Turner is the real deal! As one of the finest card technicians on the planet, Richard advances the science of card manipulation to heights never dreamed of.
~ Steve Forte, December 12, 2005
Milt Larsen, Founder of the Magic Castle, President, Magic Castle, Inc.
In my 45 years at the Castle, people repeatedly say of Richard Turner that it is the most astounding act of sheer skill they have ever witnessed.
Juan Tamariz
Oh! Ah! No! Incredible! Oh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks!
Tony Giorgio
Richard Turner’s masterful, magical, manipulation of playing cards is incomparable.
~ February 8, 2007
Ed Marlo
To Richard “Marlo” Turner:
Technicians as a rule are not usually good actors or entertainers. Richard Turner is all three.
~ Ed Marlo 1978
Professor Vernon
Having seen countless numbers of card experts execute for over eighty years, I consider Richard Turner to be by far the most skillful. He performs the most difficult moves with the greatest ease.
Sincerely,
Dai Vernon
September 16, 1987
The late great card man, Charlie Miller
They call me eagle eye Charlie; Charlie sees everything. I can’t see it, Kid — I can’t see it!
~ Charlie Miller
Transcription of a handwritten letter from sleight-of-hand artist Michael Skinner, March 30, 1991
Dear Rick,
This is just a short note to say hello and to tell you how great it was to visit with you recently.
The tapes you gave me are wonderful; they really are excellent!
You deserve your reputation as the most skilled card cheater in the world.
I don’t know of anyone as dedicated as you are.
You’re my favorite card technician, Rick; I wish I could be with you more often.
My best wishes to you.
With respect and admiration,
Sincerely, Michael Skinner
Larry Jennings
In my opinion, the finest exponent of gambling sleight of hand that I have ever known.
Larry Jennings, October 15, 1988From Ron Conley, Casino Security, November 11, 2006:
John Calvert
To Richard Turner,
There is no doubt. You are the best in the world with cards. You are their Master.
Sincerely, John Calvert, 1988
Hand written letter from Dai Vernon, November 1983
Dear Richard,
Enclosed is the letter from Fred Robinson. He is very qualified to judge, and like a true gentleman, he is honest, and expresses his true opinion.
Bill and I most certainly enjoyed our visit to your new home. I am glad John Carney came along too. He was most enthusiastic about the whole affair.
Warmest wishes, Sincerely,
Dai
Hand written letter from Fred Robinson, November 1983
Dear Dai,
Have arrived back, thank you for giving me a wonderful time.
I am afraid I was unable to absorb all I saw. Two doses of jet lag and the pressure of four lectures in consecutive days took their toll. . . .
The time with Richard Turner was much too short. I’m puzzled by the response I got from several, almost all magicians regarding Richard’s card work. They did not seem too enthusiastic about his work. For me, he is by far the finest exponent of crooked card dealing I have ever seen. . . .
Well Professor, thanks again for giving me so much pleasure in a week that was unforgettable.
Take Care, Most sincerely,
Fred Robinson
Genii Magazine, December 1983,”The Vernon Touch”
Richard came over to my apartment to visit Fred Robinson and they had a get together that was relished by both. What a pair! Without any doubt, both execute seconds, bottoms and middles better than anyone in the world. Their proficiency can only be attained, not by hours, or weeks, or months, but years of dedicated application, and especially, striving and persistence.
Ron Conley, Casino Security, November 11, 2006
I was very impressed with your card work, absolutely some of the best I’ve ever seen……………
Bruce T. Samboy, Gambling Regulator, 2006
The world’s best cardmen practice the moves until they do them right. Richard Turner practices the moves until he can’t do them wrong.
Card Mechanic David Malek, 2006
One of my favorite card men and a world class technician and performer is Richard Turner. Richard is second to none when it comes to gambling demonstrations with cards. He deals seconds, centers and bottoms equally well and runs up cards with lightning speed. On top of all that he is a fifth degree black belt and without a doubt the most physically fit magician I know. We all have a lot to learn from him.
Master Magician Rene Lavand, 2006
I was dazzled! A left-handed embrace!
Magician Herb Zarrow
Your deals rank with the best I have seen over the years—and I have seen many.
Magician Lennart Green
Richard, you are just an unbelievable guy, with mega-amazing skillfulness. You have a very strong charisma. You are genuine and are able to combine true magic with elegant humor. Like our friend Rene’ Lavand you are “one-of-a-kind” that nobody can beat in your field. Actually you are the Real Card-shark that we (ordinary magicians) try, in vain, to imitate.
Journalists’ Reviews
San Antonio Express News
It’s not hard to see why Richard Turner is regarded world-wide as the greatest card mechanic living or dead. It’s not easy to see what Richard does with the cards. He can shuffle the deck numerous times using various methods only to have the deck turn out in perfect numerical order. He can deal winning hands to any player a patron selects in a mock poker game. And don’t try your luck against him in Three Card Monte, you’ll never be able to follow the ace.
The Orlando Sentinel
He can deal a full house, four aces, whatever you want and make it look as if it were all a coincidence. He’ll even let you cut the deck, shuffle the cards, deal the hand and he’ll get a full house.
Dallas Times Herald
Richard Turner has a feel for cards. Ask him to cut twenty-eight and he casually picks off exactly twenty-eight. It’s all done by feel.
Los Angeles Times
They are remarkable hands. Hands any surgeon would be proud to affix to his or her wrists. Hands that unerringly pluck the aces from the deck and have made him one of the world’s greatest card dealers.
TV show That’s Incredible
That’s enough to make a poker player want to take up Scrabble!
Paul Daniels on BBC TV ls on BBC TV
I can now tell you that he is registered as blind!
Praise from Celebrities
Secretary of State Colin Powell
These are the true heroes here — Mr. Cheat and Miss Guided.
Muhammad Ali
Richard Turner is the greatest card mechanic of all time.
Bob Hope
I’ll never play cards with you!
Gene Kelly and Johnny Carson
“You understand this card stuff, Johnny! How’s he doing it?” ~ Gene Kelly
”I don’t know! But he’s doing it beautifully!” ~ Johnny Carson
