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Bottom Palm by Ed Marlo

Created by: Ed Marlo

The Bottom Palm is a refined handling of Ed Marlo’s Convincing Control, a bottom control technique central to many card magic routines. This tutorial focuses on a seamless cop-out or bottom palm, enabling magicians to perform card-to-pocket and card-through-table effects with ease. The creator shares personal touches and applications, emphasizing a more fluid and deceptive presentation than the classic handling. Key techniques include streamlined alignment, the 'secret call', the 'click', and back movement, all designed to make the control appear effortless and natural.

Key features

  • Refined handling of Ed Marlo’s Convincing Control

  • Enables seamless cop-out or bottom palm

  • Includes techniques like streamlined alignment, the 'secret call', the 'click', and back movement

  • Designed for fluid and deceptive presentation

  • Versatile tool for card-to-pocket and card-through-table effects

Pros

  • More deceptive and adaptable than classic handling

  • Encourages natural handling and misdirection

  • Versatile for various card magic routines

  • Detailed tutorial with performance tips

Cons

  • Requires dedicated practice to master subtle nuances

  • May be challenging for beginners due to the need for precise timing and natural handling

Effect

The Bottom Palm is a card magic technique that allows a magician to secretly control a selected card to the bottom of the deck while making it appear completely fair. The audience sees the card being placed back into the middle of the deck, but through deceptive handling, the magician can instantly reveal it in a surprising location—such as under the table, in a pocket, or even visually penetrating through the deck.

Full Details

The Bottom Palm is based on Ed Marlo’s Convincing Control, a classic card control first published in Hof’s Font (1970). The method involves a deceptive switch where the selected card is secretly moved to the bottom while the audience believes it remains in the middle. Key refinements include:

  • Streamlined Alignment – Instead of perfectly aligning cards, the magician brings them close enough for a natural appearance.
  • The "Secret Call" – A subtle finger curl conceals the switch, making the move invisible.
  • The "Click" – A tactile or audible cue confirms the card has been properly switched.
  • Back Movement – A slight backward motion helps hide the card transfer and sets up a clean cop or palm.

Once controlled to the bottom, the card can be palmed or stolen for effects like card-to-pocket or card-through-table.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This technique is ideal for intermediate to advanced card magicians who want a deceptive way to control a card to the bottom. It works well in routines requiring a hidden steal, such as:

  • Card-to-pocket effects
  • Card-through-table illusions
  • Ambitious card sequences
  • Any routine needing an invisible bottom control

Difficulty

The Bottom Palm requires practice to master the timing and subtlety. The key challenges include:

  • Smoothly executing the "secret call" without visible finger movement.
  • Making the switch look natural rather than deliberate.
  • Coordinating the palm or cop after the control.

SeanDevine notes that while the original Marlo handling can feel meticulous, his streamlined version reduces unnecessary movements, making it more deceptive with practice.

What Magicians Say

SeanDevine praises the move, calling it "one of my favorite moves in all of card magic." He emphasizes its versatility, stating, "this leads to a bunch of possibilities—card to pocket, card through the table, the possibilities are endless."

He also highlights the importance of natural handling: "Avoid overly careful movements. The goal is to make the control appear effortless and organic." His refinements focus on eliminating unnecessary alignment steps, making the move faster and more deceptive.

For those willing to practice, the Bottom Palm offers a powerful tool for advanced card magic.

What people are saying about Bottom Palm

SeanDevine says...

The convincing control of course was first published in the Hof font in 1970 originated by Ed Marlo so in this video I'll be teaching you my handling of that control and my applications and techniques for the uh the cop out with the bottom Palm after you do it [...] This move is very versatile and I think you'll get a lot of mileage out of it.

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