The following is a quick two-stage variant of the classic Hofzinser routine, "The Queen of Hearts". Check "Still Dancing" for an improved handling.
The presentation is well-known so, to the working.
1. Run through the pack and remove the following four cards, placing them face down on the table in a single pile: KD-KS-QS-KC. The King of Clubs is the top card.
Now remove the following four cards to make a second face-down pile: QC-QD-KH-QH. The Queen of Hearts is the top card of this pile. Place the balance aside.
2. Pick up the first pile and Elmsley Count to show four Kings, putting the last card to the bottom. Then place the packet face down on the table. Pick up the other pile and Elmsley Count to show four Queens by counting the first two, then casually spreading the last two and then placing them below. Drop the Queens face down on top of the Kings.
3. Pick off the top card and use it to scoop up the packet leaving the card on the bottom.
Turn over the top pair of cards to reveal a perfect match and drop them face up on the table.
Repeat with the next two pairs. Before turning the last pair, place the top card to the bottom as you flip both face up.
4. Pick up the pairs forming one pile so that they alternate in colour i.e., Queen/King of Spades, Queen/King of Hearts, etc.
You now divorce the couples by Overhand Shuffle as follows: Run four singly, then throw balance on top. Run four singly, then throw balance on top. Run one and throw balance on top.
5. Turn over the cards one pair at a time to show a total mismatch (do this swiftly), dropping each pair face up on the other to form a pile. The first pair should be in-jogged slightly as they lie on the table. Pick off the face card, and use it to scoop up the packet into the left hand so it is face down. Obtain a break below the top three cards, which is easy due to the step created by the in-jog.
Triple Lift to show a King. Name this card, then turn the triple face down and deal off the top card onto the table. Now turn over the top card to show a Queen of a different suit. Deal this card face up below the face-down King. Repeat this two more times, forming a row, to leave you holding two face-down cards. Tap each couple with this final pair, then slowly turn over each face-down card to reveal a perfect match, finally turning the pair in hand to conclude.