Cardistry Grading Scale
Cardistry has become an incredibly vast skill in terms of what’s possible with a deck of cards. There are a seemingly infinite number of moves to learn spanning across numerous categories, yet there is limited direction on where to focus efforts for optimal progression.
This is why we created the Levels System, ranking each move from Level 0 to 9+ to indicate learning difficulty. The goal is to make cardistry more structured and enjoyable, with each ranking serving as a new milestone to level up your skills. Inspired by the V-Scale in bouldering — which helps climbers assess difficulty and progress — this system allows cardists to track improvement and tackle appropriate challenges.
How It Works:
Level 0 (Absolute Beginner - Essential Fundamentals)
These moves form the foundation of cardistry. They require minimal dexterity and are ideal starting points for complete beginners.
Levels 1-2 (Beginner - Basic Two-Handed Moves & Simple Cuts)
Now that you understand fundamental mechanics, these moves introduce greater control over multiple packets and simple directional flourishes.
Levels 3-4 (Intermediate - Multi-Packet Control & Flow Transitions)
These moves increase complexity by incorporating more packets, dynamic rotations, and requiring improved finger coordination.
Levels 5-6 (Advanced - Complex Structures & Increased Dexterity)
At this stage, moves involve intricate mechanics, faster transitions, aerial components, and packet stacking techniques.
Levels 7-8 (Expert - Multi-Packet Balances & Extreme Precision)
Moves in this range push your skills to a near-professional level, demanding exceptional timing, balance, and control over complex structures.
Level 9+ (Master - High-Risk Aerials & Unstable Packet Structures)
These are the most difficult, intricate, and high-risk moves in cardistry. Mastering them requires elite finger dexterity, precision, and countless hours of practice.
What Level Are You At?
Currently, only the moves available on our social pages have been graded. This list will expand as we add new tutorials. We’re also considering ways to create a larger, community-driven database of ranked moves—let us know if that’s something you’d be interested in! Your input will help ensure the ratings remain balanced and accurate.
Why This System Matters
By defining skill benchmarks, the Levels System enhances learning, encourages progression, and builds a shared understanding of difficulty across the community. Whether you're a beginner looking for direction or an expert refining your craft, this system helps guide your journey and measure growth. Let’s push the art of cardistry forward—one level at a time.
— Dom
Moves of the Month
1. Euro Step by Jack Trathen
Starting off our March moves of the month, we’ve got @j.tra bringing the heat.
It’s not often you see a truly unique opener, but Jack makes it happen with a nearly instant four-packet break off of a dribble. If that wasn’t enough, he shoots a packet off into his other hand, setting the dynamic tone for the move.
The rest of the move provides a smooth contrast to the opening motions, sliding and dropping packets around until a final display and clean closer.
It’s also a great example of a cut happening on a horizontal plane, a less-common approach that keeps all the packets and movements clearly visible. Overall, a top-tier move from Jack.
2. Whopper 2 by Jung Jae Lee
Sometimes moves just feel good to watch. That’s the case here with @jung_jae_lee88 and his move, Whopper 2.
Jung gives a beautiful blend of rhythm, cleanliness and flow to create this comfy packet cut. Not least of which being the overall aesthetic of the video with its black/white color theme and harsh, contrasting lines from both the cards and light source.
It’s a great reminder that there is more to cardistry clip than just the move itself. Of course, it’s completely fine to upload a dimly lit video with a messy background. but why not complement your move with a clean aesthetic? Jung clearly understands this concept quite well.
3. Dive from 9th Floor by Luis Mecalco
If you’re looking for a cardist who never disappoints, look no further than @luis.mecalco.
No stranger to dynamic moves, he does it again with a move that seemingly has it all — structure, displays, drops, aerials, flares, and more. Incorporating this many elements into a single move takes the imagination of seasoned cardist, and Mecalco executes it flawlessly.
The closer takes a detour from a modern, simplified closing — choosing instead to extend the move with some XCM-style flares and twisting square up of the final two packets. It’s a great reminder to think outside the box, and not always mindlessly close up your moves. Sure, it’s a bit unconventional, but that’s what makes the move all the more interesting.
Honorable Mentions
Check out some other high-quality moves released throughout March:
Quick Bites
A welcome surprise graced the cardistry community this month in the form of a fresh video from OG cardist Kevin Malone. Happy to see you still shuffling, Kevin.
Ever consider what the next wave of cardistry “classics” will look like? Sean Armand explores the topic in his most recent Substack article.
Cardistry XP is a little over two months away. But if that’s still too far away, you can take a look at their recap playlist of last year’s event.
Soki follows up his previous thought-provoking post with some more commentary on style within cardistry. Take a look at vol. 2 here.
One-take wonder. In a new Lotusinhand video, Yang Nguyen shows how even a new, slippery deck of cards with rough edges can still suffice when handled by a master.
In a creative block? Here’s some soft bossa to relax the mind and get the creative juices flowing the next time you’re looking to create a move or two.
To receive these newsletters every month straight to your inbox, click here
