Prestidigitation, or hand illusion, is a type of magic trick using the speed of the hand and various objects. One of the most popular forms of this trick is to make objects appear to "disappear". Playing cards are often used in this magic because they are easy to obtain and manipulate. Some sneaky people even use this trick to cheat in card games.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Remove Cards
Step 1. Hold the card with one hand
Pinch the card between your thumb on one side, and the middle and ring fingers on the other.
- This trick will be easier to do with your dominant hand. However, with practice, you can use your non-dominant hand.
- This trick can't be done if the audience surrounds you. You have to make sure the back of the hand is not visible.
Step 2. Grasp the two long sides of the card with your index and little fingers
Try to hold the card using only the "side" of the finger as tightly as possible. Bend the card slightly until it is concave. At the same time, bend the middle and ring fingers by pulling them back behind the card. The first and second knuckles of the middle and ring fingers should be slightly parallel to the card.
Step 3. Straighten your middle and ring fingers to make the card “disappear”
Straighten your fingers while maintaining your grip to bring the card to the back of your palm. Show the face of your open palm to the audience, but make sure to keep your index, middle, and ring fingers close to each other.
It takes some practice to make the edges of the cards completely invisible. Try to only let the card pass through the gaps half your fingers
Step 4. Make the card reappear
After the card "disappears", you can now bring it back more easily. Simply re-arch the middle finger forward and pinch it between the thumb and index finger.
- Go through each of the steps above as quickly as possible. The faster your moves, the more convincing the trick will appear.
- Once you get used to doing the basic tricks, try adding a wrist motion. This movement can serve to distract and disguise your movements.
Method 2 of 2: Using a Cup
Step 1. Gather the materials
In addition to playing cards, you will need a clear tumbler-style cup. clear celluloid, and an opaque handkerchief or bandana.
- Fold the card in half and make sure the folds are neat. Use the face of the card to disguise creases. Re-align the cards before starting the trick.
- The cup should be wide enough so that the unfolded card can be pushed in, but narrow enough that the card must be forced in. The glass should also be tapered at the base. A tumbler with lots of decorations will make the trick easier to do, although it's not absolutely necessary.
- Cut the celluloid to the exact size of the playing card used.
Step 2. Start the trick by holding the card aligned with the celluloid perfectly stuck behind it
Grasp the bottom of the card with your thumb and the top with your index finger so that it bends slightly and the celluloid doesn't move in place. Make sure the celluloid is not visible to the audience.
Step 3. Ask an audience member to volunteer
Tell your new assistant to name the card. Ask him to hold the tumbler under the card.
You can also borrow handkerchiefs from volunteers. However, this action can eat the master if the handkerchief the volunteer has is see-through. If it's too see-through, your trick can be caught
Step 4. Throw the handkerchief to cover the hand holding the card and the tumbler the assistant is holding underneath
Quickly fold the card in half and cup it with the hand that originally held the card. The spectator will think you are holding the card “through” the handkerchief with the hand that was used to cover the card. Later the card will be put in an easy-to-reach pocket. Leave the celluloid behind the handkerchief.
Step 5. Ask the assistant to hold the “card” in the handkerchief
Because they are the exact same shape and size, celluloid will make viewers think the card is still behind the handkerchief. The cloth will cover the celluloid so that the assistant feels like he is still holding the playing cards. Ask the assistant to say whether he still has his card or not.
Step 6. Instruct the assistant to push the “cards” into the tumbler
Both celluloid and tumbler must be covered with the handkerchief. Tell the assistant and the spectator that you are going to make the card disappear from the glass.
Step 7. Take the tumbler back from the assistant, grip the glass at the bottom and overturn it
Remove the handkerchief openly before the eyes of the assistant and onlookers. Rotate the glass to show that the card is no longer in the glass..
Step 8. Take the card out of the pocket
You can simply take the card as if it wasn't in your pocket before. You can also add a dramatic effect to distract the viewer from the pocket. Even if the spectator is focused on one of your hands, use the other hand to grip the cards. Silently showing the card as if it just appeared.
