The Double Lift and Turnover

When used in moderation and properly done this sleight is one of the most useful and deceptive of modern card sleights. Unfortunately many cardmen do it badly and far too often. We would caution the student first to learn to execute the sleight perfectly and then to use it sparingly and discreetly.

As the name implies, the sleight consists of lifting two cards as one, turning them over on the deck, and then turning them face downwards again. The moves are as follows:

1. Hold the deck face downwards in the left hand, practically in the position for dealing but with the left thumb extended against the left side.

With the right hand square the ends, and at the same time

wedge the pack slightly by pressing back with the tips of the last three fingers on the outer edge, the tip of the index finger resting on the back near the outer end.

2. With the tip of the right thumb lift the inner end of the top card and then the inner end of the second card about a quarter of an inch (Fig. 79). The wedging of the pack enables you to do this with ease and certainty. Press the tip of the left little finger against the side of the second card to hold the break thus made. Do not insert the tip of the finger into the break.

3. Make another squaring motion with the right hand, and then remove it to make some gesture appropriate to your patter.

4. To lift the two cards as one, turn your right hand palm upwards and seize the inner fight corners between the tips of the thumb above and the index and middle fingers below.

Turn the hand over to the left and lay the two cards face upwards on the deck so that the lower ends protrude inwards about half an inch (Fig. 80). Move the right hand away toward the right, running the tip of the thumb along the ends of the two cards. This is done to make certain that the ends of the two cards will be perfectly aligned. The pressure of the left fingers on the cards, forcing them against the ball of the thumb, will ensure the sides being flush.

5. The second card having thus been shown, turn the two cards face downwards again as follows: With the fight hand palm upwards, seize the index corner, turn the two cards face down, and lay them flush on the pack.

Done properly, the sleight is a very easy one. The two cards must be made ready and the hands separated before the lift and turnover is made. Too often the move is made immediately after fumbling in getting the two cards separated at the inner ends. To attain an easy and natural action in performing the sleight, first turn a single card in the manner described, and then turn two cards as one, copying the action closely.