Displaying the Top Card

A. For Intimate Performances

B. For Intimate Performances

C. For Platform Performances

A. For Intimate Performances

Instead of taking the card off the pack with the right hand to show it to the onlookers, make the following moves:

1. Hold the pack in the left hand in dealing position.

2. Push the top card off about an inch to the right with the left thumb.

3. Bend the top phalanx of the index finger under the card, near the upper right corner, and bend the same phalanx of the middle finger on the back of the card, which is thus gripped between the two fingers (Fig. 20). Insert the tips of the ring and little fingers under the card and with them grip the rest of the pack.

4. Extend the index finger and middle finger, carrying the card away to the right and turning it face upwards in the action. At the same time press the thumb on the back of the pack (Fig. 21).

This pretty little flourish can be used to good advantage for counting off a small number of cards when it is necessary to name them as they are counted. Each card is taken by the right hand as it is flicked off and turned face upwards by the left hand.

B. For Intimate Performances

When a chosen card has been found, for example after dealing to a certain number or on the last letter after having spelled its name, the following is a neat method of displaying it:

1. Push the card off with the left thumb and take it by the middle of its right side between the top phalanges of the right middle finger on its back and of the ring finger on its face (Fig. 22).

2. Place the tip of the right thumb on its face and turn the card to a vertical position between the tips of the thumb and middle finger, bringing the face of the card toward you (Fig. 23).

3. Place the tip of the index finger on the face of the card and move the thumb to the back. Release the middle finger and with the thumb cause the card to revolve, bringing its face outwards and toward the spectators (Fig. 24).

This intriguing little flourish provides a momentary pause and thus heightens the climax, which is the revelation of the card. Also, since it brings the face of the card toward you first, you gain a precious moment in the event of a mishap which should be a very rare occurrence, but accidents will happen to the most careful of card conjurers.

C. For Platform Performances

On the platform this would be your handling:

1. Push the card off with the left thumb and grasp it at the inner right corner between the right thumb and index finger, holding as little of the card as possible.

2. Move the card slowly to your right, so that it does not obscure your face. Hold it at about shoulder height, turning it vertically face outwards.