Importance of ambidexterity?

MelBrooksfan · 14th May 2007, 11:04 AM

Recently, I've decided to take some time and improve my off-hand by working different flourishes with it. Is there any significant benefit in being able to perform as well with my left hand as my right or should I just double-down on my favored hand?

firecoins · 16th May 2007, 11:29 AM

being able to do secret sleight of hand with the weak hand is important to being deceptive.

Being able to do flourishes with both hands would seem 2x as impressive reguardless if you can do more with your right hand. Being able to do some flourishes in your weaker hand is a good thing.

Bob Klase · 16th May 2007, 04:32 PM

Not to be contrary, but I would say that being able to do sleights with the weak hand can be an advantage sometimes. And might make it easier to routine a sleight so it's more deceptive. But I wouldn't say it's necessarily important.

If Rene Levand should give a different opinion I would defer to him though.

MelBrooksfan · 16th May 2007, 08:41 PM

Thank you both for thoughts on the matter. I'll keep them in mind.

Soapy Sam · 17th May 2007, 08:12 AM

You'll go blind.

Senex · 17th May 2007, 09:01 AM

I wish I had your problem. I'm clumsy with card flourishes -- double/triple lifts and classic passes are at the edge of my ability to do in a crowd. It's always better to do one thing excellently than two things just competently. Unless you are a pro I'd go with learn it one way.

MelBrooksfan · 18th May 2007, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by Soapy Sam

You'll go blind.

Perhaps. But, maybe I'll get off lucky and just end up with hairy palms.

14th May 2007, 11:04 AM	#1
MelBrooksfan Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,011	Importance of ambidexterity? Recently, I've decided to take some time and improve my off-hand by working different flourishes with it. Is there any significant benefit in being able to perform as well with my left hand as my right or should I just double-down on my favored hand?

16th May 2007, 11:29 AM	#2
firecoins Illuminator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nyack, NY Posts: 3,065	being able to do secret sleight of hand with the weak hand is important to being deceptive. Being able to do flourishes with both hands would seem 2x as impressive reguardless if you can do more with your right hand. Being able to do some flourishes in your weaker hand is a good thing.
	__________________ NY Paramedic, skeptic, 9/11/01 Reality-ist. I am both right wing nut and left wing lunatic. Deal with it.

17th May 2007, 08:12 AM	#5
Soapy Sam NLH Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 18,092	You'll go blind.
Soapy Sam NLH Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 18,092

16th May 2007, 04:32 PM	#3
Bob Klase Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 2,445	Not to be contrary, but I would say that being able to do sleights with the weak hand can be an advantage sometimes. And might make it easier to routine a sleight so it's more deceptive. But I wouldn't say it's necessarily important. If Rene Levand should give a different opinion I would defer to him though.

16th May 2007, 08:41 PM	#4
MelBrooksfan Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,011	Thank you both for thoughts on the matter. I'll keep them in mind.

17th May 2007, 09:01 AM	#6
Senex Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: An autobody repair shop in Connecticut Posts: 1,835	I wish I had your problem. I'm clumsy with card flourishes -- double/triple lifts and classic passes are at the edge of my ability to do in a crowd. It's always better to do one thing excellently than two things just competently. Unless you are a pro I'd go with learn it one way.

18th May 2007, 09:44 PM	#7
MelBrooksfan Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,011	Originally Posted by Soapy Sam You'll go blind. Perhaps. But, maybe I'll get off lucky and just end up with hairy palms.