Deceit
Sleight-of-hand techniques can also be used to cheat in gambling games, in street con games such as the three-shell game, or three-card monte to steal, or, in some cases, to claim supernatural powers, as in the performances of some 19th- and early 20th-century spirit mediums. For this reason, the term "sleight of hand" frequently carries negative associations of dishonesty and deceit, and is also used metaphorically outside the above contexts. The techniques used by gamblers, however, are often very different from those employed by magicians; similarly, the techniques used by some psychics or spirit mediums are often different from those found in "straight" close-up magic and mentalism. The differences, however, are due to the different working conditions and the different degrees of proximity between spectators and performer; the same basic techniques and approaches are common in all the areas of deception mentioned.
Read more about this topic: Sleight Of Hand
Famous quotes containing the word deceit:
“When once—which every body must be—you are convinced of the wickedness and deceit of men, it is impossible to preserve untainted your own innocence of heart. Experience will prove the depravity of mankind, and the conviction of it only serves to create distrust, suspicion—caution—and sometimes causelessly.”
—Frances Burney (1752–1840)
“Ah, that deceit should steal such gentle shape,
And with a virtuous visor hide deep vice!”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“Was ever book containing such vile matter
So fairly bound? O that deceit should dwell
In such a gorgeous palace!”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)