Sleightful logoSleightful

Cover Pass

The Cover Pass is a foundational close-up card magic control that secretly moves a spectator's selected card to the top of the deck during an apparent cutting or squaring action. Using natural hand or body cover, the transfer is hidden from view, making it ideal for beginners to learn and incorporate into routines for controlling cards without detection. This technique emphasizes misdirection and casual handling to maintain deception, and it's a versatile tool for card magicians looking to build confidence in sleight-of-hand.

Key features

  • Uses cover from hand or body to hide card transfer

  • Involves a cutting motion for deception

  • Aimed at beginners for easy learning

  • Focuses on natural handling and misdirection

  • Requires practice to perform without looking at hands

Pros

  • Easy and fun for beginners to learn

  • Builds confidence in card control techniques

  • Uses simple mechanics for effective deception

Cons

  • May require significant practice to master

  • Relies heavily on misdirection, which can be challenging for novices

Effect

The Cover Pass makes a chosen card move to the top of the deck without the audience knowing. The magician appears to simply cut the deck or square it up. The spectator believes their card is lost in the middle. In reality, the card is now on top and ready for the next part of the trick.

Full details

The Cover Pass is a card control. It uses a cutting action as cover. The other hand or the performer's body blocks the view. This hides the secret transfer of the selected card to the top. The move looks like a normal deck adjustment. Andrew Frost highlights the need to isolate the top card for a smooth action. This technique is a building block for many card routines.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is for beginners starting in card magic. It is also useful for any magician who wants a reliable control. Andrew Frost advises magicians to find their own style. The Cover Pass can be adapted to fit different performance approaches. It is good for those who want a simple yet effective method to control a card.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Cover Pass is considered easy to learn. AMillionCardTricks describes it as an ideal starting point. It requires practice to perform without looking at the hands. Andrew Frost emphasizes practicing in a simulated performance setting. The move relies on natural handling. It is not physically demanding, but consistency comes from repetition.

What magicians say

Andrew Frost discusses the Cover Pass in his insights on technique. He says, "Frost highlights the importance of isolating the top card to facilitate a smooth and deceptive pass." This points to the technical focus needed for clean execution.

AMillionCardTricks calls the Cover Pass "a foundational card control." They note that "the effectiveness of the Cover Pass relies heavily on the performer's casual demeanor." This means the magician's attitude sells the move.

Both sources agree that practice is essential. Andrew Frost recommends filming yourself to refine technique. AMillionCardTricks stresses practicing until you do not need to watch your hands. These tips help make the Cover Pass look like a simple cut.

What people are saying about Cover Pass

AMillionCardTricks says...

The Cover Pass is a foundational card control for moving a selected card to the top of the deck secretly, using a cover from the hand or body to hide the card transfer during a cutting motion.

Andrew Frost says...

Frost highlights the importance of isolating the top card to facilitate a smooth and deceptive pass.

Review videos

  • Thumbnail for Andrew Frost #2

    Andrew Frost #2

    VanishingIncMagic mentioned this magic trick in this video.

Tutorial videos