Diagonal Palm Shift by S.W. Erdnase

Effect

The Diagonal Palm Shift (DPS) is a classic card sleight where a selected card appears to be cleanly inserted into the middle of the deck, only to secretly vanish and reappear in the magician’s palm. The move is deceptive because the card seems to be fairly placed into the deck, with no suspicious movements or flashes.

Full Details

The DPS was first introduced in 1902 in The Expert at the Card Table by S.W. Erdnase. The core principle involves inserting a card into the deck at an angle, then secretly palming it out in a way that appears invisible to spectators. The move requires precise finger positioning, deck rotation, and natural-looking squaring motions to avoid detection.

Key elements of the DPS include:

• Hinge Technique: Popularized by Jerry Andris, this method allows for smoother card insertion by using the middle finger as a pivot point.
• Card Placement: Positioning the card lower in the deck makes the palm easier to execute.
• Avoiding Finger Flash: Rotating the deck instead of the card minimizes visible finger movement.
• Sound Reduction: A sharp upward movement combined with a deck squeeze helps eliminate the telltale clicking sound.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The DPS is best suited for intermediate to advanced card magicians who are comfortable with sleight of hand. It requires practice to master the subtleties of insertion, palming, and misdirection. Beginners may find it challenging but can still benefit from learning it as part of their long-term skill development.

Difficulty

The DPS is considered a moderately difficult move. It demands precise finger coordination, timing, and natural handling to avoid detection. Sean Devine notes that while the move can be deceptive to lay audiences, magicians familiar with the DPS may spot the mechanics if not executed smoothly.

What Magicians Say

• Eddie McColl highlights the DPS as a rarely taught move worth learning, especially for those interested in classic techniques. He emphasizes its practicality in combination with other controls and steals.
• Sean Devine provides detailed refinements to make the DPS smoother and more deceptive, stressing the importance of avoiding finger flash and minimizing sound. He also mentions that while he enjoys practicing the DPS, he prefers other methods like the Convincing Control for actual performances.
• Lloyd Barnes offers a tutorial on the DPS for his Patreon members, indicating that the move remains a valuable skill for magicians looking to expand their repertoire.

The DPS is a versatile sleight that, when mastered, can enhance a magician’s ability to secretly control and palm cards. While it requires dedication, the deceptive potential makes it a worthwhile addition to any card worker’s toolkit.