Hustlers, Hoaxsters, Pranksters, Jokesters and Ricky Jay

A documentary about the life and work of sleight-of-hand artist Ricky Jay, with appearances by Ricky Jay, David Mamet and Steve Martin.

[@Joe_J-MT_Boy]

The combination of precision and speed is a joy to watch. His hand motions are perfect. And then... there's that look into the camera when he's done with you. Man, I love this guy and his work.

[@zflynn2]

The best card manipulator I've ever seen. That opening bit, believe it or not, is not switched decks or any other similar tricks but merely the ability to shuffle exactly the way he wanted the cards to come out. As he said, "It's an acquired skill." Years and years of practice every day for 10 or more hours every day.

[@demiseisdue]

quote the best card mechanic ive ever seen, (who had %10 of Ricky Jay's skill) "In the time it took me to learn this, i couldve been a doctor or a lawyer, or both."

[@YaoEspirito]

That beautiful routine is marred by one unfortunate cheat. There is a quick edit in there that goes unnoticed, unless you know where to look.

[@chenzenzo]

Rest in eternal love and peace! A true master of the art!

[@davidgerber9317]

I just heard of this guy a couple of days after his passing. What a talented and entertaining individual. I've watched a couple of hours of him on KZbin now, and my appreciation of his art continues to grow. Great sense of humor, with a friendly smile and a twinkle in his eye, but I don't think it required much acting for him to pull off the hard-ass bit at the end. And as to the "Correctly Structured Drama", I couldn't help but notice that Peter, the guy who wouldn't go along with the premise and kept asking questions and got thrown out, was the only player who didn't lose any money.

[@chriskaprys]

Indeed. At the same time, at least to me, the anecdote "I once got expertly hustled for a hundred bucks by Ricky Jay in a hotel room." is much more juicy and entertaining than "I once had the opportunity to watch a master at work, but I didn't want to pay him, so I left."

[@john-ic5pz]

Check out his Filmography too. 😮❤

[@chucktingstad5636]

I had never heard of him, face familiar however. The man was a genius in sleight-of-hand, super intelligent, a scholar/historian of the craft and associated crafts, and a genuine performer master story teller. The centuries-old trade he plied in so well entertained the masses, who bloody well needed it. And he didn't use his manipulative power for evil, but for pure entertainment. Most excellent. RIP Ricky Jay.

[@zenvagabond]

The last segment was brilliant performance theatre - a brilliant con ...

[@MotiviqueStudio]

My wife just rewatched House of Games so I could see it because she's a fan of Mamet, but I knew nothing about Ricky Jay. This is absolutely fascinating.

[@SpikeWolfwood]

The card manipulation that he does at the beginning is so beautiful it hurts. I've dabbled as an amateur / hobbyist close up magician since I was a child (roughly 20 years at this point) and though I consider my knowledge to be respectable and my skill to be at the very least passable in most circles, I can never conceive of being as silky smooth as that opening demonstration. I have a great love for magic, but that level of skill is a mark of someone whose life IS magic.

[@john-ic5pz]

Not many of us have his level of commitment. He said, "I don't practice a move until i get it right. I do it until i cant do it wrong.". Wow.❤

[@MorrowSind]

"...Houses and even clothing." I love the order of importance, while discussing the losses at the cup and balls game.

[@Playhouse76]

Think about the position someone needs to be in if they'd bet the very clothes that they are wearing in that moment.

[@surfdigby]

When he caught the 3 between the 4 and 5, I thought "That's a great finish". But no, he had to keep going, and going, and going until he'd presented the entire deck.

[@jmange]

He wasn't actually stressed out, he acted over-the-top angry because the trick relies on allowing him to have the last cut, and one of the participants was trying to undo that. It is a classic con-artist tactic, to act overly aggressive toward anyone savvy enough to ruin the con. Most people will back down in the face of that.

[@SLYGARR]

He was actually pissed at the producers. They were very disrespecting him.

[@jmange]

@@VintageYakyu My comment was a reply to someone else, but it looks like that original comment is not showing any more.

[@Jack-yq6ui]

It actually wouldn't have ruined the trick. I can do exactly the same effect and it really doesnt matter as long as I can keep track of 1 specific card.

[@thecentralscrutinizerr]

The most under-rated statement: "Magic is a performance art". Gamblers, card sharps, cheaters, hustlers, con men - they all know this. What people don't realize is that half of this particular kind of performance art is the ability to act. Notice Ricky, when Peter wasn't being cooperative out of being swindled out of his money, began to act. He really wasn't upset with Peter, he was acting to get the result he wanted - to take their money. Performance art.

[@Joseph_Greco]

A true artist.........RIP Ricky Jay

[@TeamVisor]

Ricky's presentation of this effect is absolutely great. For those who study magic: It must be effect called The Deans Poker Deal from the book : Scarne on Card Tricks, with little variation of handling. Absolutely a real gem. :)

[@icarus8471]

About the ending, it said it was a structured drama. In other words, a play.

[@ack36]

RIP Ricky. You will be missed. Loved watching you.

[@courtlaw1]

Ricky was a beast. Sad that new generations could not have seen him in his prime when he was working alot.

[@richardthomas754]

Thank God he’s one of the good guys! He could make vast amounts of money dishonestly. Watched and enjoyed his entertainment for years! RIP Ricky!

[@plissken151]

Ricky Jay is the most under utilized actor/ magician/ amazing individual of all time. He's a freakin' genius.

[@randystrauss1542]

I know how the trick is done during the "Correctly Constructed Drama" and I've done it a few times. Not one time have I done it as well as Ricky Jay. Brilliant.

[@notori0uszig]

i know the trick is forcing the 8 to assure a hand that will always lose no matter what, but how the hell do you get them to always take the 8 card when everything is out of your control?

[@kana-damaofficial2822]

youre looking at it in the wrong way. hes switching cards always look at his hands and his misdirects whatever card he switches with will make him win the 10 cards are specifically chosen to give his switch a win.

[@gmamagillmore4812]

you must be really special, where can we see you perform ?

[@zenarcher_awats]

His shuffling is another language. The trick is almost just punctuation. (Almost) And his eye contact pushes you into another dimension! His patter is next level. He’s so funny, upset, it’s so complicated. Bamboozled I am mystified and in awe.

[@skrillexguetta1658]

I have watched this video about a hundred times, and I am still not board. Damn!

[@Duckshots]

One of my favorite human beings. Sad that he is dead. He was my age and deserved more time. I wish I had met him and photographed him. Very upset.

[@pacoEXNIHILO]

RIP Ricky

[@AJM902]

Thanks for posting. What an interesting talented man.

[@turncoatslethbridge]

He's an actor. The end is an act. Ricky Jay is the real deal and a great performer. Thinking the end is in any way indicative of him is just ignorant.

[@zacharyfultz3016]

ricky jay is so good he doesn't die he simply disappears into thin air never to be seen again.

[@turncoatslethbridge]

Decker 187, Ricky Jay is an actor and this is just one of many things he's in. My point was that this clip doesn't in any way represent what he is like in real life. He's playing a part here. Simple as that. m.imdb.com/name/nm0419633/filmotype/actor?ref_=m_nmfm_1

[@kana-damaofficial2822]

hes an actor hes been appearing in movies and sitcoms. the last trick is a demonstration of a hustle the title itself says "Correctly Constructed Drama" he inflicts confusion by spiking emotion. with this he cloaks his trick. leaving no room for the "victim" to question him or the rules however when the camera pans away ricky is switching cards out from his left hand pocket. the 10 cards are chosen specifically so that the permutation of whatever card he takes and switches with gives him the upper hand.

[@seahawks1185]

One of the most natural performers I've ever seen, though he is kind of awkward, but thats the good stuff.

[@GG-fb4gz]

I think Tony G picked up on some of Ricky

[@professormancaptain4210]

32:35 I haven't seen him laugh before, or be silly in just "normal day" mode. Neat. (Not saying anything on his personality, I just have only seen his performances, and him speaking eloquently, and on Conanl

[@diegowushu]

Really interesting! It was always fun seeing him show up in movies here and there. A true legend.

[@hcjr103]

29:50 did he just walk down so he can ride back up?

[@MrJonc29]

Ricky Jay is the man for sure.. I loved the Showdown.. Even when those guys saw the cards they could have won... but odds are not in the favor but.... I cant believe they didnt learn it after the 1st 2 games. that was awesome to see and learn , now im going to use it...

[@godofallpenguins001]

I see these fuzzy videos and think "Oh! Right! I can select a higher quality" And then I become very, VERY sad as I realize that this is at least 20 years old, and so, fuzzy of it's own accord. But thank you for posting this.

[@demapples6580]

He does everything the hard way, with the most amount of skill, with the cleanest work. That is Ricky Jay.

[@ellisnigh6010]

Rest in peace you master.

[@miked4377]

he is an absolute master.....period.

[@robertlee8042]

Yes. He’s wonderful. He had the two on the opposite side each time he had the people take cards from their side. I’m not sure how he did the end. But I know how he got the two in the last four. He’s brilliant.

[@zachgaskins3731]

Simple. He made them focus (through insistence and the set dressing of the Lone Wolf & Cub story) on THEIR choices when in fact he always had control of the NEXT step. When she picked two of the last four, HE decided what was done with them.

[@Jimmycrow1980]

Excellent.I am sitting here with my cards in hand watching a legend. Damn my hands why can't they do what Ricky can do,lol

[@DavenH]

Ricky Jay has many luckiest days of his life on which he is well on his way.

[@jvetter713]

Thank you for this video.

[@itstoaoagain]

This video, from the beginning to the end presents all of the sides of Ricky. As Zinman said there are 3 Ricky Jays. The card shuffling is probably one of the best things I can think of in the video. Second thing is the cups and balls. My personal belief is that Ricky is the best cups and balls performer alive to this day. Third is the drama at the end, along with the look which comes up after yelling to Peter (you've just fucked with the wrong person) at 42:35

[@humanity6fl9]

ricky jay has eyes on the tips of his fingers.

[@shammon1]

Master. Simply superb.

[@arnoldwise5657]

RIP King That first routine gave me goosebumps

[@FunnyCowboyDance]

Fuck yeah. Thanks for uploading this.

[@archaicartisan2670]

19:20. Guy walks down the staircase only to turn around and go up the escalator. Lol!

[@tubular618]

The actual story was that he took two one dollar bills and folded them into one two dollar bill. The story is told in the film "Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay"

[@patmandew22]

It's 29:50 when he takes the elevator back up after walking down the stairs just to tell the story

[@technowey]

Occamskatana, knowing, and doing in front of a live audience so well it gets you both recognized as a master and on television are different things. Lots of people "know." Very few "do."

[@jugglingdingus]

my only hope, is to hear him speak of any subject at his choosing

[@itstoaoagain]

We share the same wish.

[@holysmokes5817]

Cheers my friend.... Good night. Love you

[@Katalyzt]

Along with all the other skills that Ricky Jay listed when he was describing Matthew Buchinger he failed to mention that Buchinger was also an accomplished artist. And the self-portrait that was engraved by Buchinger(Position 11:28 - 11:37) is so detailed that if you were to examine the picture close up, then you would see different biblical verses embedded in the hair. Buchinger had more dexterity than most people ever realized which probably enhanced his sleight of [hand] skills. Katalyzt

[@faro1875]

Wrong. He certainly did mentioned Buchinger's art work.

[@rochellestanley9532]

Amazing 👏

[@Wthompson747]

at the end, 40:00, he appears to make the deck three 7s, three 9s, three queens and one eight. As long as the sucker gets the eight, there is no way he can win. Ricky will have full house vs trips, trips vs two pair two pair vs one pair. Ricky only has to watch and control the eight. That is why he has to control the cut and why once the sucker has the eight he doesn't care how the cards are dealt out. Being angry must just be to confuse and fluster the mark.

[@Wthompson747]

@@mappylandnazi that is the one part of the trick that requires skill, fortunately he was an expert card manipulator

[@evansgate]

ah ok, that explains it. I'd definitely fold under the pressure because he was pretty intense

[@WizardKingCorey]

Ricky is better than Houdini. He knew more about magic and was so good and well read. He is my favorite.

[@kunkushun1]

Amazing, sly, deceptive, talented and gnarley.

[@ArsPraestigium]

RIP Ricky.

[@scottthoma5817]

A lifetime of work remarkable

[@ArgoLupus]

Whatever the ten card poker controversy, it's not hard to figure out after several hands, so I found it fun to watch. I didn't know magicians went on tilt, but the guy was not being a cooperative participant. Gambling is part of the trick, but it is not important to it.

[@johndoe6613]

I got here from a new yorker article on a profile of Ricky.

[@kunkushun1]

Ricky is awesome when he is mad lmao, pretty intimidating lol.

[@gabrielc6252]

Just a brilliant human being ...

[@AegisNova]

Oh, dear goodness, people! The attitude in the last segment is all part of the con! This is apparent, and I have no expertise. The con is often based on emotional manipulation of which part may be intimidation.

[@georgiost6189]

Not only that, but you can actually use the first guy as a "plant" to get the next guy in a more agreeable position. You basically make others trust you by acting in an untrustworthy manner. A man's a fool.

[@toddhensley880]

Footage of Ricky’s close up work needed to be captured in either 4K or 8k.

[@puddinTane760]

Dude was flawless

[@LeninsBoyToy44]

The priest: Bob Neale described Ricky perfectly.

[@evansgate]

Ricky intimidated the hell out of me in that last one... pretty impressive seeing as he's been dead for years. Cool guy

[@mattprueter9231]

Brilliant.

[@boatingaccident2882]

This documentary is from 1996 for those wondering.

[@weefeatures]

I'm a fan of Ricky Jay, but I kinda get what you mean. Check out Richard Turner, he is exceptional

[@OneOut1]

Richard Turner obviously used tuned decks as he is blind. Does this guy use gimmicked decks?

[@magicelliotth]

I would LOVE to have dinner with this man.

[@ourglass3346]

Anybody else astonished by the ladder chair? 5:20

[@chadbeckwith]

That was in the section titled "A correctly structured drama." Probably just part of "the act."

[@ginskimpivot753]

Jay was a genius and a skilled manipulator of cards....and people. I mean him no disrespect when I say that an important part of his magic was a very particular type of misdirection, where there is a lot less magic and card manipulation than you think. That first ordered deck trick is itself a con, as there's an edit in it. You can't shuffle cards that well and end up with an ordered deck. Another classic demonstration is his centre-dealing display, but he isn't pulling cards from the centre - he only says he is and only appears to be placing the aces into the middle of the deck. He's actually dealing off the top, where he really put the aces. The con-man's con-man, and though many try, he'll never be replaced.

[@taydrabrookshire347]

0:57 “Director”? I know he’s had a wonderful multifaceted career so far, but what has he ever directed?

[@bugoobiga]

at the end, when he's all pissed off at everyone, that looks like darwin ortiz's mexican poker

[@seleroan]

I'm not sure how the end of that first trick goes, but I know that the initial elimination sequence was far from random. It was designed to keep the top few cards in play.

[@gmamagillmore4812]

Brilliant Sherlock.

[@irish1209]

Legend.

[@richardgardner5916]

He will be missed

[@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb]

Ricky Jay is the GOAT

[@massoudkaykha2200]

Ricky Jay is the best

[@delta-9969]

What the hell is going on in the last scene in the hotel? Are those just random people off the street? What was the pitch to them?

[@billgreen4003]

Ricky jay actor also in movie 007james bond movie as one of the bad guys on stealthy submarine and TV show series episodes or episode of the x files

[@kime6524]

What is the name of the first trick?

[@dustinfringe3557]

Kim E Arbitrary

[@killazerg1]

The secret is even more impressive

[@caskinfg]

The title is "A correctly structured drama". So what do you think?

[@kristopherbrown9474]

where did he learn all these skills?

[@022171]

40:39 classic. that's the wrong question to ask ricky jay.

[@jelomoso77]

I think I figured it out he has to be palming the 8, then when he cuts he puts it there, also I figured out the trick works also with 3 queens, 3 sevens, and 4 nines, you have the expectator shuffle then you cut the deal a card each then cut again then deal the rest it gives you a winning hand every time without palming

[@Andy-mv9qj]

Why was he so angry with that one guy during that poker game? Just curious.

[@skepticalphysicist]

Why was he so stressed out at 39:35 ?

[@stevenanderson7046]

The way the guy says ragamuffins at 8 mins or so

[@ellabananaful11]

i think they revealed it on scamschool, there is a bad card which whichever player has the rotten card loses. Here ill try to explain as best as i can. There are three sets of three of a kind and a indifferent high card. whoever gets the indefferent high card loses, no matter what. But what i think ricky does is he leaves the indefferent card on top and being amazing sees through the other players shuffling where it goes. Do you sort of get it, obviously he does it better than anybody

[@sirbrad4]

I open all my cards like that.

[@halohero147]

I'd like to know what the story was the day of "A Correctly Structured Drama".

[@randysager3523]

Not much to tell other than Ricky is playing the part of a hustler.

[@randysager3523]

I have only met Ricky once he was very nice when I met him. This was many years ago mind you. Keep in mind that since he rejects being around most of the magic comminity doesn't not make him rude or an asshole. Nor does the fact that he isn't open with teaching others magic other than a select few. There isn't anything wrong with him being that way. Granted maybe he has turned into an ass I don't know as I said I have only met him once and he was fine back then.

[@datboidoja]

42:00 ha ha ha ha "get somebody wit money" HA HA HA ricky jay YOUR A BOSS

[@CrashRebootL3]

amazing guy, scary.

[@gJonii]

have you been practicing almost every day for the past 20+ years of your life?

[@ghostguy1]

the master

[@richardthomas754]

Please tell me someone responsible has this man’s collection.

[@StarWoors]

That's what I was thinking!

[@MarkGrandlouis]

At first i thought he was on some wicked speed or coke..but then at the very end i got the sense that he might have been reacting in frustration at some people's persistent hounding to play him...finally he just said "fuck it let's do this!"

[@aholder4471]

Peter knew the trick was in the cut. Smart men dont play cards with Ricky Jay. You expect to be cheated. I would gladly pay 100$ for a personal show though. :)

[@TheUntamedNetwork]

by the end though he wasn't even touching the cards, he had jsut mind fucked people into winning it for him

[@bcfblack]

The cut is marginally relevant, but that trick is a classic and is really only about one card. It was more about control of the situation than control of the cards.

[@bcfblack]

I don't know who was invited to play, but I assume it was set up. Ricky has too much composure to just pop off in an ordinary situation, especially if it's being recorded. Not to say there was a script, but with a title like "A Correctly Structured Drama" it's not a big jump to assume it was, well.. structured a bit before someone pressed record. Also, he is definitely "cheating." If you look at the hands dealt it's clear he's using a classic ten card plot where he only has to control one of the ten cards. He does control it, and would have much more trouble doing so if he didn't get a chance to cut etc. I agree that, in a real scenario, it's rude to assume a magician is a cheater just because they could be, but I don't think that's what's going on here. Ricky is putting on a show and the people getting on his case are at least as much a part of the vibe as Ricky acting angry with them.

[@themagicman6965]

Do you have any recourses, from magician to magician?

[@aholder4471]

I think from the context of them filming, that Ricky would be in show mode. Of course, I wouldn't expect him to cheat, if we were playing poker at my house or a casino without a film crew. I think he's a respectable man, but from what interviews I've seen with him, I would have to conclude that he is almost always in show mode and would probably rather show you some magic than play poker. Just my 2 cents though. I definitely think he is 1 of the best card manipulators to have ever lived, so that alone demands respect, wether he wins the national poker tour or not.

[@Deadletter6]

Why is he so stressed haha. Fucking boss