The Bio-Vlog

Each time Mr. Cool comes in to see me, he pitches a new scam. As the riverboat slightly sways, we sit down to dinner. “Richard,” Mr. Cool says politely, “I think you’ll like this idea. I will have you play against another cheat. In this…

“Richard,” he says impressed, “you are incredible. You, alone, do the work of four mechanics. I wouldn’t need a crew!” He eyes me, quaffs his drink, and says calmly, “I’ll give you a grand a day to come work for me!” I shake my head from…

I head over to meet Mr. Cool. He stands, we shake hands then we sit down privately in the back of the lounge to – shall we say – lay our cards on the table. As I’m showcasing the range and deceptiveness of the techniques…

Again the well-connected bartender quietly confides, “Richard, I have another slick operator, a card mechanic, Mr. Cool. He runs big games, and he’s dying to meet you.” (Like my mentor Dai Vernon, who chased after every crooked card mechanic he could find, I’m always eager…

(As we continue please note that I’m going to use pseudonyms in the following passages to “protect the innocent” and, well, that’s mostly me.) Due to the constant publicity from the television shows, radio interviews, and print media, my reputation as a skilled “cheater” continues…

It’s my deal, I take the deck, and I inadvertently crack out of turn, tipping-off that I have been around the block with a deck. I weigh them and say suspiciously, “There are two cards missing.” The banker sitting to my right, I have noticed…

Blowers and I drive to the lawyer’s elegant place. We play at a dinner table with placemats, as food and drinks are catered.  Right up front I cover the vision question by saying simply, “my eyes were damaged during the war and My roommate accidentally…

I’m back aboard the boat, a lawyer I know as Tony T pulls me aside and says looking this way and that, “I’m an Attorney, and we are all in the same business – cheating people! I’ve seen your show many times and know about…

I’ve bet the proprietor double or nothing for the carpet, and now it is time to slam shut the trap.  The store owner pauses for a moment, and then happily agrees. “Okay, I’ll take that bet!” he says handing over a large stack of his…

“At my table is Dai Vernon’s traveling friend Bill Bowers. Bill, I heard about Herb Zarrow’s party in New York, can you please elaborate on the highlights?” “Sure, Jon, Herb invited a large group of magicians to have dinner at a New York hotel dining…