Ok, I've got the cut down OK, but when I get to the part where I have to get the top card of the original top packet to a "gun" position, I have trouble then flicking the card.

Please Help

Wes

It is more of a knack move than anything.

Don't hold the deck to tight..or too loose for that matter....then just push up with your finger...

Good Luck and keep trying..it will work...

Do you first push it up and to the left with your first finger, then end by
"shooting it out", by pushing with your middle finger towards you...?

Yeah.

The middle finger is more of a curve... more up than in.

Actually, I thought it was the bottom card, not the top card. At least that's the way I've been doing it.

D

You are right, David. It is the bottom card.

I don't use the original Hotshot Cut because in my opinion, it was overly complicated (in my opinion). There is a nice, less complicated version in AoA and one utilizing the Stretch Cut that I always use in Dante King's Practical Methods DVD.

The Dante King version may be easier but it doesn't look nearly so good as the original. Stick with Daryl’s version. All of the tips above should see you executing perfect hotshots in no time.

I had incredible difficulty with this too, and now I can do it like nobody's business. What you have to do is practice the cut a million and one times until you have it down. Then put the cut aside. Take out one card and put it into the middle of a perfectly squared deck. (It's easier to shoot the squarer the deck.) Once it's in the right position, put your middle finger on the corner closest to you on the outside. Then just push up, and do that a million and one times. Then put the two together. It's like magic.

If the card sticking out is less than 90 degrees it should be very easy.

Try giving it a sharp flick but not too hard. Just a sharp, moderate flick to get it shooting in the air..

Yes, stick with Daryl's original version. It may seem complicated at first, but just looks so much better once you've got it than the other versions. The flicking part was the hardest for me back when I was learning, but just bend your middle finger inwards onto the deck quickly and that'll get it flying out after practicing and playing around with the card position. It's a great feeling when you first see that card spinning out like helicopter blades out of the deck into your other hand. The catching is pretty easy and even if you miss it at first, it'll just come to you naturally after a while. Good luck.