Conjuring, or sleight of hand, is a type of magic or illusion trick performed through rapid hand movements and various objects. One of the most common subsets of these tricks is to make objects appear to "disappear". Playing cards are a popular object, a choice due to their spread and the ease with which they can be manipulated. People with less scruples may even use such tricks to cheat at card games.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Disappearing a Card
Step 1. Hold the card with one hand
Squeeze it between the thumb on one side (front or back) and the middle and ring fingers (the "inner fingers") together on the opposite side (front or back).
- This trick is most easily performed using the dominant hand, but with proper practice, you can learn how to use the other hand.
- This trick won't work if the audience is looking at you from all sides. It is necessary to make sure that the back of the hand can be hidden.
Step 2. Grasp the long sides of the paper with your index and little fingers (the "outer fingers")
Try to hold the card as firmly as possible, using only the "sides" of your fingers. Fold the paper to form a slight convex arc with respect to the fingers. At the same time, fold the inner fingers retracting them behind the paper. The inner finger sections between the first and second knuckles should be roughly parallel to the paper.
Step 3. Straighten your inner fingers to make the card "disappear"
By straightening your fingers and keeping your grip, the card will end up being on the back of your hand. Show your palm open to the audience, but be sure to keep your ring finger, middle finger, and index finger together.
It will take you some practice to get the sides of the paper to be perfectly hidden. Try letting the paper only reach halfway between the slits between your fingers
Step 4. Make the card reappear
Now that your card is "gone", it can seem even easier to get it out of thin air. Simply fold your middle finger forward again and squeeze it between your thumb and forefinger.
- Perform these steps as fast as possible. The faster you move, the more convincing the result will be.
- Once you are familiar with this basic trick, try adding some wrist movements. It will serve to divert the attention of the public and hide your moves.
Method 2 of 2: Use a Glass
Step 1. Gather the materials
In addition to a playing card, you will need a semi-transparent plastic cup, a clear plastic sheet, and an opaque handkerchief or bandana.
- Fold the paper in half and make sure it is well wrinkled. Using a figure will hide the fold. Reopen the card before starting the trick.
- The cup must be wide enough to allow you to push unfolded paper in, but it must be narrow enough that you need to force the paper into it. It must also go huddling towards the bottom. A very decorated glass, with drawings or reliefs, will make the makeup easier, but it is not strictly essential.
- Cut the plastic to the exact size of the playing card you are using.
Step 2. Begin the trick by holding the paper that appears to be unfolded with the plastic perfectly aligned behind it
Grab the paper with your thumb down and index finger up, bending it slightly to hold the plastic in place. Always make sure the plastic is not visible to the public.
Step 3. Talk to the public for help from a volunteer
Ask your new assistant to say the name of the card. Tell him to keep the glass under the paper.
You can also ask him to lend you the handkerchief. However, this could backfire if the volunteer were to give you a transparent one. If the handkerchief was too light, the audience could see how the trick is done
Step 4. Throw the handkerchief to cover both the hand holding the card and the cup your assistant is holding under you
Do as to pick up the card "through" the handkerchief with the same hand you used to cover the card. In reality, quickly fold the paper in half and make it disappear in the palm of the hand that was holding it. Slip the card into an easy-to-reach pocket for later retrieval. Put the plastic in its place under the handkerchief.
Step 5. Ask your assistant to tighten the "paper" in the handkerchief
Being the exact size of the paper, the plastic will create a shape that will give the impression that the paper is still there. The cloth barrier will make it so that the assistant cannot distinguish the plastic from a playing card. Ask him to tell the audience if he is in possession of the playing card he saw earlier.
Step 6. Instruct your assistant to push the "card" into the cup
Plastic and glass still need to be covered by the handkerchief. Inform your assistant and audience that you will now clear the paper from the glass.
Step 7. Retrieve the glass from your assistant
Grab it from below and turn it over. Remove the handkerchief in front of your assistant and the audience. Turn the glass to show the spectators that there is no card inside.
Step 8. Take the card out of the pocket
You can do it in a simple way, for example by just turning your pockets inside out, with the audience wondering how it got there. You can also choose to add some dramatic touches, to get the audience's attention away from your pocket. While they are focused on one hand, use the other to grab the card. Discreetly introduce your card during the "action", as if it were appearing out of nowhere.
