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Gemini Count
Gemini Count is a false count with cards showing four cards, when in fact, you only show two that was developed by Brother John Hamman in the 70's.
It was first fully explained as the Gemini Count in "Richard's Almanac" Bro. Hamman one man issue issue in October 1983 along with The Pinochle Trick and again in the book The Secrets of Brother John Hamman by Richard Kaufman (1989) but we can find it before. In Playmagic (1976) by Tony Binarelli, in Any Second Now (1977) by Stephen Minch, in Darwin's Deceits (1979) by Darwin Ortiz and in Close-up Fantasies Book II (1980) by Paul Harris.
Karl Fulves has claimed, in Epilogue, that he had a handling of a two as four count in print prior to Brother Hamman and had shown it to him. Brother John had no recollection whatsoever of having seen or read Fulves' count. He was convinced that he came up with it on his own when asked.
Ascanio also developed the same slight independently which was published in Ascanio's Favorites (1989) by Rafael Benatar within the routine "The trick I would show Dai Vernon".
Variations
- No-Buckle Gemini Count - an approach published by Jon Racherbaumer on his website to eliminate the buckle by using pushoffs. See also Counthesaurus (2004) page 115
- Gemini Count Alternative from Bob White Presents It's a Matter of Style Lecture Notes (2002).
- Virgo Count by Wesley James
