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Bottom Side Steal by BigBlindMedia

Created by: BigBlindMedia

The Bottom Side Steal is a sophisticated card magic technique that allows the magician to secretly steal a card from the bottom of the deck. This move is a variation of the middle steal, where the card is subtly clipped between the pinky and ring finger while the deck is casually handled. It's designed for close-up magic, offering a seamless way to control, produce, or transform cards without detection. The technique emphasizes natural movements and angle awareness, making it suitable for magicians of all skill levels.

Key features

  • Seven distinct methods to steal a card from various positions in the deck

  • Techniques suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced magicians

  • Emphasis on natural movements and angle awareness for seamless execution

  • Practical applications for controlling, producing, or transforming cards

  • Tips on embedding steals within logical actions to avoid detection

Pros

  • Versatile techniques applicable in numerous card magic routines

  • Detailed instruction suitable for magicians at any skill level

  • Focus on naturalness and angle awareness enhances performance quality

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the subtleties of each steal

  • Some techniques may be challenging for absolute beginners

Effect

The Bottom Side Steal is a card control technique where a magician secretly removes a card from the bottom of the deck while appearing to handle it casually. To the audience, it looks like the magician is simply holding or shuffling the deck, with no visible movement of the card. The stolen card can later be revealed in a surprising way, such as appearing in the magician’s pocket or transforming into a different card.

Full Details

The Bottom Side Steal is a variation of the middle steal, where the card is clipped between the pinky and ring finger as the deck is handled. The magician contacts the card, pushes it slightly to the side, and retains it while the rest of the deck moves naturally. This method allows for smooth transitions into other moves, such as shuffles or productions.

Key aspects of the technique include:

  • Subtle finger pressure to secure the card.
  • Natural hand motions to avoid suspicion.
  • Angle management to keep the steal hidden from spectators.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This technique is useful for magicians who perform card magic and need a reliable way to control or steal a card without detection. It works well in routines where a card must be secretly retained for later reveals, transformations, or vanishes.

Difficulty

The Bottom Side Steal is considered intermediate in difficulty. It requires practice to master the finger positioning and natural handling. Beginners may find it challenging at first, but with repetition, the move becomes smoother.

What Magicians Say

Big Blind Media describes the Bottom Side Steal as a foundational skill for card magic, emphasizing its practicality in routines. They highlight the importance of natural movements, stating:

"You're clipping the card between your pinky and ring finger while the deck is casually handled. The key is to avoid rigid motions—make it look like you're just holding the deck normally."

They also note that this technique can be combined with other moves, such as shuffles or fans, to create seamless transitions in performances.

For magicians looking to refine their card control techniques, the Bottom Side Steal is a valuable addition to their repertoire.

What people are saying about Bottom Side Steal

BigBlindMedia says...

The Bottom Side Steal is definitely based on the middle side steel, it's exactly the same technique just with a little bit of touch on it [...] Naturalness is key: Avoid rigid movements. Biz critiques unmotivated Gambler’s Cop executions, urging magicians to embed steals within logical actions.

Tutorial videos