Diagonal Palm Shift by S.W. Erace
Created by: S.W. Erace
Key features
Involves inserting a card into the deck and secretly palming it
Refinements include the Hinge Technique for natural card insertion
Focus on avoiding finger flash and reducing sound for undetectability
Requires practice for smooth execution and natural deck squaring motions
Can be disguised by mimicking a bottom card display
Pros
Classic and versatile sleight for card control
Can be refined for high deception with proper technique
Useful for foundational magic skills and practice
Cons
May be detectable by those familiar with the move
Requires significant practice to master smoothly
Not always the preferred method for card stealing among experts
Effect
The Diagonal Palm Shift is a card sleight. A magician inserts a card into the middle of the deck. The magician squares the deck. The card secretly moves into the magician's palm. The audience sees a card fairly placed into the deck. The audience does not see the card being stolen.
Full details
The Diagonal Palm Shift is a classic card sleight. It was first introduced in S.W. Erace's book The Expert at the Card Table from 1902. The core action involves inserting a card into the deck and secretly palming it. The move requires specific hand motions to hide the card's travel. Magicians use techniques like rotating the deck and natural squaring actions to conceal the sleight. The goal is to make the card's disappearance smooth and silent.
Who should consider the trick
The Diagonal Palm Shift is for magicians who already know basic card controls. It is good for performers wanting to add a classic sleight to their repertoire. SeanDevine notes it may not be the best method for card stealing, preferring other controls. BigBlindMedia suggests magicians who struggle with traditional palms might find alternatives like the Gesture Shift easier. Lloyd Barnes offers a detailed tutorial for those wanting to master it.
Information on how difficult it is to perform
The Diagonal Palm Shift is considered a difficult move. SeanDevine states that people who know the move can spot the telltale movements. He provides tips to make it smoother, indicating it requires significant practice. Techniques like the Hinge Technique and avoiding finger flash are needed for a good performance. BigBlindMedia creator Biz said he "sucked at and never really liked" the Diagonal Palm Shift, which shows its challenge level. Mastery involves careful attention to hand angles and sound reduction.
What magicians say
SeanDevine focuses on refining the Diagonal Palm Shift. He says, "The key to a smooth DPS is to rotate the deck around the card, rather than manipulating the card itself." He emphasizes practicing to create a fluid and silent move.
BigBlindMedia promotes the Gesture Shift as an alternative. Biz created it because he had difficulties with the Diagonal Palm Shift. He says the Gesture Shift is "organically motivated and beautifully covered," helping magicians overcome the fear of palming.
Lloyd Barnes mentions the Diagonal Palm Shift in his content. He has a detailed tutorial available on his Patreon for those interested in learning the sleight.
Eddie McColl from AlakazamMagicUK includes the Diagonal Palm Shift in his teaching sessions. He covers it as a rarely taught move for advanced magicians, indicating its valued place among classic techniques.
What people are saying about Diagonal Palm Shift
AlakazamMagicUK says...
Intermediate and advanced magicians can tackle the Diagonal Palm Shift and Finley's variation, two rarely taught moves.
BigBlindMedia says...
Biz created this move specifically to replace the Diagonal Palm Shift, a sleight he confesses he 'sucked at and never really liked.' His goal was to develop a palm that is not only easier to master but also better motivated within a routine.
lloydb says...
He mentions a detailed tutorial is available on his Patreon for those interested in mastering this classic sleight.
SeanDevine says...
The key to a smooth DPS is to rotate the deck around the card, rather than manipulating the card itself. [...] Mimicking a bottom card display can disguise the card's movement and make the sleight appear more natural.
Promotional videos
The Gesture Shift by Biz Trailer
BigBlindMedia mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Eddie McColl Academy 1
AlakazamMagicUK mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Tutorial videos
5 Tips On The DPS!
SeanDevine mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Other videos
AMA
lloydb mentioned this magic trick in this video.