CARDISTRY GRID NOTATION

Rules and ideas of the system.Work In Progress v1.1

1 - INTRODUCTIONThis is the notation of a move using the CGN system. It might look complex and intimidating at first, but stick with us for a bit, and you’ll understand it easily.

hm

2 2

2

2

6

6

6

6

6 6

8

5

8

8

6

8

1

L

8

5

5

6

6

5

8

5

7sh

1sh

1ll

8

7ll

hm

6

5

X

X

hm

hm

2

6

8

5

hm

hm

B

2 - FINGERS AND PACKETS (Basics)It’s important to be able to differentiate every finger easily. For that we use numbers. Everytime you’ll see a simple number next to a packet, it will refer to a certain finger.

On the grid, a packet is represented by a square and if the “packet” happens to be a single card, just place an apostrophe on top of its column.

To illustrate a grip, simply note the fingers where they’re suppose to be around the square.

If the finger is on or under the packet, use this notation: Just put the top finger above the cross, and the bottom finger under it.

Right handed

1

16

6

2

2

7

73

3

84

4

95

5

10

To mention the gap between two fingers, use this notation:

This means that this packet is pinched between the thumb and index finger.

This is a straddle grip.

1 2

3 - MOVEMENTS

2D TranslationThe translation of a packet is its movement in a certain direction without any rotation. To define it, we need the direction and the distance of the movement.

A simple arrow outside the packet can determine the direction of the translation. With the information you have on the packet, your should be able to easily figure out the correct direction.

Here are a few examples of directions you can have for translations. The arrow can either be in or out the item. Simply choose the easiest one to read in the given situation. (This means the two arrows in red are actually the same.)

1

1

2

1

1/2

Those are translations of “1”. If you’re going in the direction of the short edge, then “1” means the length of the short edge. If you’re going in the direction of the long edge, then “1” is the length of the long edge.

You can of course use fraction of this unit to note smaller distance, or use bigger numbers.

Now that we have the direction, we need the distance. For this, we use a number inside a circle.The unit of the distance is a playing card, in the direction of the translation. Here are some examples:

1 -2

This is a translation of 1 unit (short edge), upwards.

This is a translation of 2 unit(short edge), downwards.

3D TranslationTo define a 3D translation (out of plane), we also need the distance and the direction. For the distance, we also use numbers in a circle, but this time we add a little cross outside the circle. The unit is the short edge of the deck (just like short edge 2D translation). This time there are only two directions: up and down. We use positive numbers for up, and negative numbesr for down. Here are a few examples:

3D RotationsEvery rotation revolves around an axis, and there are three informations that we need: The placement of the axis, the direction of the rotation, and the degree of rotation.

Here are a few more examples for you to get the idea:

This is the axis. Just place it where you need on your packet.

45°

This if the degree of rotation. In this case, 45°.

This end of the axis is the view point of the rotation. With that in mind, you can determine whether it’s clockwise (to the right), or counter-clockwise (to the left). In this case, clockwise.

axis& view point

90° clockwise(Those two rotations are actually the same,

only the view point changes)

90° counter clockwise 360° clockwise “infinite” spins counter-clockwise

In a few cases, the axis of the rotation has to be outside the packet. Simply use the same rules as above and place the axis where it actually is. Here’s an example:

This is the first rotationof the molecule cut.

2D RotationsFlat rotations are rotations that stay in the same plane (think scissor cut). For those, the axis goes through the packet, and can be seen as a simple pivot point. In CGN, it’s represented by a dot.This pivot point can be placed in, on or outside a packet, but it can also be a finger.

Just like 3D rotation, we do need a direction for the axis to make sure that we’re seeing the rotation from the right angle. The dot indicates that the axis is going though the packet from back to face. If you wish to have the axis going from face to back, simply use a circle instead of a dot.

2

The rotation is 180° clockwise.Remember for 2D rotations, you’re watching from above.

Back of the packet Back of the packet

The pivot point is the index finger placed on the edge of the deck.

4 - FORCESThe “Force” is the action that will cause an item to move. Every movement needs a force as an explanation. It is associated with either a finger, a rotation, or an translation. in CGN we use two letters to refer to a force. Here are the most common ones:

Now here are some examples of how to use them:

When the force is not specified, it’s usually a logical “hand movement”. You can still note it as “hm”.

The “Twist” notation needs a bit more details in order to use it properly. It will always be associate with a pinch, and the finger(s) on top, will end up on the bottom of the item. You can note it by using this format: “first_placement.second_placement tw”. Here’s an example:

Pushsh

sh

Pullll

Gravitygr

Momentummo

Release

Twist (pinching fingers switching places)

rl

tw

1 28rl

gr

6rl

7

This a rotation of 90°. The packet is held between left thumb and index on the outer corners.

This is a translation downwards of 2 units. You’re letting go with your middle finger and thumb, letting the packet fall with gravity.

The right index finger pushes the packet from under to make the rotation.

This means that before the twist, the right middle finger is on top, and the right index is on the bottom. After the twist, it’s the other way around.

-2

tw

tw

7.8

8.7

5 - THE GRIDThis is the main part of the CGN system. All your items, fingers and movements will be noted on the grid.

You don’t have to note all the items in each line. Just note the ones that are importantto the motion you’re describing.

To close a packet, just place an “X” on the box of its last motion. On the “closing” line, only note the 2 packets involved: the one closing, and the one it is closed on.

Each item has its own column, so create a new column for every new packet or single card. On the “creating” line, only note the 2 packets involved: the one it is created from, and the new one.

Every new line is a new movement or action. You can decompose complex actions into multiple lines, we’ll see how to link them in chapter 8.

hm

2 2

2

6 6

6

6 6

8

5

8

8

6

8

1

L

8

5

5

6

6

5

7sh

1sh

1ll

8

7ll

hm

6

5

X

X

B

?

6 - GRIPSTo make it more convenient, we can use “shortcuts” for very basic grips. We usually use those toindicate the starting grip of a move. We note them using capital letters and indicators. Here are the most common ones:

The grip is placed on the left side of the grid. it is usually the first thing we read. Here’s an exemple of an actual grip as it would be used in the CGN system. This is a deep straddle grip in the let hand:

Sometimes (especially in two handed cuts, the starting grip can be defined with both hands. For this, we can simply note the two grips one after the other. Here’s the starting grip of the Sybil:

S

SL

DB

B

Straddle grip

This means that it’s a “deep” straddle grip. For an “upper” straddle grip, the circle would be placed on top.

The second grip is in the right hand (no need to specify since it has to be the opposite hand as the first one).

The smaller capital letter means that the grip is in the left hand.

This indicates the type of grip. In the case, Straddle grip.

The first grip is in left hand, as it is specified with the “L”.

Dealer’s gripBiddle grip

1 2 1sh34

34

1

X

L

2

2sh

gr

gr

7 - ANNOTATIONSSometimes, in the middle of a grid, you will see a line with informations inbetween parenthesis: those are annotations. Their goal is to give you extra information on the current aspect of a move. You can think of it as a “check point” to make sure that everything is the way it’s suppose to be.

Order

2D Orientation

This annotation helps you visualize the order of the packets in space, from top to bottom. (bottom being the closest to your “bottom hand”.) Here’s an example:

This annotation helps you visualize the orientation of the packets as a flat display. For convenience, a “reference packet” is chosen by the author and marked with a dot. Here’s an example:

This indicates that the packet from the middle column is at the bottom, and the one from the left column is on top.

This indicates that the packet from the middle column is perpendicular from the reference packet.

This dot indicates that this packet is the “reference packet”.

This indicates that the packet from the right column angled 45° from the reference packet.

Orientation 3DThis annotation helps you visualize the orientation of the packets in space, from the POV of the cardist. the “

8 - TEMPOOn the right side of the grid, you will see information about the tempo of the move. Once you have the mechanics down, this will help you to present and perform the moves as it’s suppose to be. Here are the most comon tempo notations:

hm

2 2

2

2

6

6

6

6

6 6

8

5

8

8

6

8

1

L

8

5

5

6

6

5

8

5

7sh

1sh

1ll

8

7ll

hm

6

5

X

X

hm

hm

2

6

8

5

hm

hm

BThose vertical lines indicate a “beat”. This means that if the beat covers multiple lines, the different actions have to be performed at the same time.

Those 90° angles in the “timeline” indicates a break in the flow: they are used to pause a move in a certain moment to showcase a display.

This horizontal line indicates that even though the two actions are executed in one “beat” as a continuous flow, they still need to be performed one after the other.

Those dots indicate a repetition. The number of repetition is defined by the number of dots. In this case, you would have to repeat the “action lines” between the dots 2 times.

9 - FIRST MOVESYou should now be able to read and write simple cuts using the CGN without to much troubles.Here’s the Charlier cut.

1 2 1sh34

34

1

X

L

2

2sh

gr

gr

10 - FINGERS AND PACKETS (Advanced)

Sometimes, it is useful to be very specific about the part of the finger you are using. Here’s a way to note the different knuckles and be specific about “front” or “back” of the finger:

2’’’ 2’’2’

2’’’ 2’’ 2’

To specify a knuckle, simply note one, two or three apostrophe next to the number. Use a dash on top of the number for the back of the finger.

Another specification that can be useful is the nail. (Riffle Fan, OH Faro, etc.) For this use this notation:

Just like fingers, you can use the notation: to mention the gap between two knuckles.

The gap between the first and the second knuckle of the index finger.

The left palm can be noted like this:

And this is the back of the right hand:

2’ 2’’

Hands and fingers

2n

#L #R

Here’s an example of a card spinning by the corners, between two packets:

C

A C

C

A

B

A

B

bl

In some situations, you need to be able to define a packet as we define fingers: with moves like “outpost”, or in some corner spin moves, a packet is sometimes clipped between other packets. To note them in the grid, simply assign a lettre to a column. You can then use that letter to refer to a packet, as you would do with a finger.

In a few cases, you need to be extremely specific about the part of your hand that needs to be used, or simply use a part of your body that is not your hand. Obviously, we cannot have a symbol for every single part of our body, so for that we use “legends”. They’re noted in the “index”: between the title and the grid itself. Here’s an example:

Here’s an example of how to use them inside the grid:

Packets notation

Other/Specific body parts

A

B

C

68

6 II

= R.foot = chinI IIUse roman numbers as the reference, and asign it to the body part you want to use.

This means that this packet is held between the right thumb and chin.

11 - THE GRID (Advanced)

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

BA C D

A B

BA C D

A BX X

BA C D

A B

BA C D

A B

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

BA C D

A B

BA C D

A BX X

BA C D

A B

BA C D

A B

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

BA C D

A B

BA C D

A BX X

BA C D

A B

BA C D

A B

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

2 8

6

6

6

2 8

66

1

L

7

6

BA C D

A B

BA C D

A BX X

BA C D

A B

BA C D

A B

As the moves get longer and more complicated, it is sometimes a good idea to save a few lines. Here’s how you can have two new packets in one single line: the small square indicates one new packet, and the letter next to it is the packet it is created from.

In some case, you will need additionnal information about this new packet. Sometimes it’s not obvious if the new packet has to be create from the top, or the bottom of the initial packet. In other cases, the size of the new packet matters. Here’s how you can note those informations:

Opening and closing packets

In this example, the packet “C” is create from the packet “A”, and the packet “D” from the packet “B”.

The exact same principe can apply to closing packets.

A line “under” the square indicates that the new packet is create from the bottom (face) of the initial packet. A line “over” means it’s from the top.

If the square is divided in half, simply split half the packet, if it’s in quarter, split about 1/4th.

12 - INTERPOLATIONYou’re probably thinking... CGN is cool and all, but it’s only for cuts! What about fans, spreads & spring? Would I need 52 columns? Well no. For these types of moves, we use “interpolations”. This means that we describe the motion of 1 packet in relation to another, and note that every single card inbetween should follow. We note them by linking the new packet to the initial one.

Position A

interpolation

Here’s a simple spread. As you can see, it’s like a “fluid” transition from A to B. Here’s how to note it in the grid.

Here’s a thumb fan.

Position B

Anf just for fun, here’s a double riffle fan split...

Sometimes, multiple packets are following the same movement at the same time. To make it easier to read, we use this notation:

Compound actions

89

6

98

1’’’

6

8

9

9 10

10

8

L

8

7hm

A C D

B B

34

3.4tw4.3tw

7rl

435

4cr35cr

5ll3ll

9sh

XB

4cr35cr

XB

1/2

35ex4ex

hm

109ll

109ll

10

5sh

43

4.3tw3.4tw

46

36

6sh3

6 6

8

6

8

7ll

1 2 2sh

hm

1sh

XC

34

98

3.4tw4.3tw

49

7

6

6 6sh

3

6sh

3

8

6

8

6

8

7ll

7sh

hm

8

2sh

XC

1

6

8

6

6

8

78

78sh

1 2

1 21

1.23tw23.1tw

7ll.sh

34

3.4tw4.3tw

XD

XD

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

BD

B

C

‘‘C’’ ‘‘C’’

hm

hm

hm

C

2sh

B C D

This means that the action of this packet is following the one described for packet “C”.

13 - TEMPO (Advanced)

Sometimes, you might want to give the performer a chance to express his creativity and his own style. For this we use the notation “Ad Lib”, just like the one used in music. This comes from Latin “Ad Libi-tum”, and basically means “at one’s pleasure”.

Improvisation

Ad lib

Ad lib

1sh

34

This means that the numer of repetition of those actions is up to the performer.

13 - PUBLICATION (Nomenclature)In order to publish a move using CGN, you need to add a few information to the grid itself. This will help the viewer know what he’s reading, and how to read it.

This section is not mandatory, but you will need it in a few cases. it is used to write extra indications concerning the following grid. The most commons uses of this section are “Shortcuts” and “Legends”.Here’s how to note them:

Header

Index

NAME OF THE MOVE by Creator

Written by Dimitri Arleri in CGN v1.0

VERTIGO HACKY SACK by Dave Buck

Written by Dimitri Arleri in CGN v1.1

To be able to reference and credit moves, it’s important to know it’s name and creator. If for some reason you don’t know the creator, just write “Unknown”.

This means that whenever I use the notation “I” in the following grid, it will refer to the right foot.

= R.footI

2 2

6 6

8

5

L

B

If you’re writting down a move on paper or if you’re using a digital restricted format, you might need to seperate it into multiple pages. Don’t forget to note the number of the page at the bottom of each page using the format “X of X”.

On the following page, we will provide you with a template that you can print out and use to make it easier and quicker to write CGN. This is a 5 collumns template, so it won’t fit for all the moves out there but it should be fine for most.Don’t hesitate to make your own, as long as it respects the main nomenclature. You might want to use fewer columns if you don’t need five, since you’ll be able to have bigger boxes, making it easier to read.

Pagination

Template

2 of 4

89

6

98

1’’’

6

8

9

9 10

10

8

L

8

7hm

A C D

B B

34

3.4tw4.3tw

7rl

435

4cr35cr

5ll3ll

9sh

XB

4cr35cr

XB

1/2

35ex4ex

hm

109ll

109ll

10

5sh

43

4.3tw3.4tw

46

36

6sh3

6 6

8

6

8

7ll

1 2 2sh

hm

1sh

XC

34

98

3.4tw4.3tw

49

7

6

6 6sh

3

6sh

3

8

6

8

6

8

7ll

7sh

hm

8

2sh

XC

1

6

8

6

6

8

78

78sh

1 2

1 21

1.23tw23.1tw

7ll.sh

34

3.4tw4.3tw

XD

XD

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

BD

B

C

‘‘C’’ ‘‘C’’

hm

hm

hm

C

2sh

This means that this is the second page of a 4 pages move.

of

by

89

6

98

1’’’

6

8

9

9 10

10

8

L

8

7hm

A C D

B B

34

3.4tw4.3tw

7rl

435

4cr35cr

5ll3ll

9sh

XB

4cr35cr

XB

1/2

35ex4ex

hm

109ll

109ll

10

5sh

43

4.3tw3.4tw

46

36

6sh3

6 6

8

6

8

7ll

1 2 2sh

hm

1sh

XC

34

98

3.4tw4.3tw

49

7

6

6 6sh

3

6sh

3

8

6

8

6

8

7ll

7sh

hm

8

2sh

XC

1

6

8

6

6

8

78

78sh

1 2

1 21

1.23tw23.1tw

7ll.sh

34

3.4tw4.3tw

XD

XD

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

1’’’

BD

B

C

‘‘C’’ ‘‘C’’

hm

hm

hm

C

2sh

PANDORA by Daniel Buck

Written by Dimitri Arleri in CGN v1.0

A huge thank you to Matthew Beaudouin (@mattbeaudouin)& Antoine Thomas (@ryoma4148) for all the ideas and feedback they gave us!

And of course, thank you to the whole cardistry community who made all this possible.

Have fun ;)

Dimitri & Ladislas- Cardistry Touch -

This is just the beginning. CGN will evolve and change with time, and we hope to hear your feedback to help us make it better!