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Double Lift

The Double Lift is a foundational close-up card magic technique where the magician appears to turn over a single card from the top of the deck, but secretly lifts and displays two cards as one. This creates the illusion that a different card is on top, allowing for effects like card transformations, controls, and revelations. Spectators see a seamless card turnover, unaware that two cards are being handled. It's essential for card magicians, requiring practice to master natural handling and misdirection. Buyers should know it's a sleight-based move, not a gimmicked trick, and is used in countless routines from beginner to advanced levels.

Key features

  • Fundamental sleight used in many card tricks

  • Requires practice for deceptive execution

  • No gimmicks needed; works with any deck

  • Versatile for transformations, controls, and revelations

  • Focus on natural handling and misdirection

Pros

  • Essential for card magic progression

  • Highly versatile in routines

  • Impromptu and uses any deck

  • Builds foundational sleight skills

Cons

  • Requires significant practice to master

  • Can be detectable if poorly executed

  • Not a standalone trick; used within routines

Effect

The Double Lift creates the illusion that a single card is being handled when in fact two cards are being moved as one. To the audience, it appears the magician cleanly shows, turns over, or reveals a single card. This move is foundational for countless card tricks, allowing for transformations, controls, and revelations that seem impossible. A spectator might see a card placed in the middle of the deck only for it to instantly reappear on top, or witness one card visually change into another.

Full details

The Double Lift is a fundamental card sleight. The performer secretly lifts two cards from the top of the deck as if they are one single card. This action is used to conceal the true identity of the top card or to set up a magical moment, such as a color change or a card revelation. The move requires creating a small break or separation between the top two cards and the rest of the deck, then cleanly turning over both cards as one unit. Proper execution makes this action indistinguishable from turning over a single card. The Double Lift is not a trick by itself but a utility move that enables many other effects. It is often combined with other techniques like controls, forces, and false shuffles to construct complete routines.

Who should consider the trick

The Double Lift is essential for any magician who works with playing cards. Beginners should learn it early as it is a cornerstone of card magic. Intermediate and advanced performers continuously refine their Double Lift to increase deception. Magicians who perform close-up magic, street magic, or parlor shows will find this move invaluable. It is particularly useful for those who perform classic plots like the Ambitious Card, Triumph, or card transpositions. If you use a deck of cards in your magic, you need a reliable Double Lift.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The basic mechanics of the Double Lift are not overly complex, making it accessible for beginners. However, achieving a truly deceptive Double Lift that is indistinguishable from handling a single card requires significant practice. The difficulty lies in the subtleties of the get-ready, the turnover, and the replacement. As Sebastian from sebastiantoca9208 notes, even effects that are "relatively easy" still require a "basic double lift." PigCake advises that "practice is key," and Lloyd B emphasizes that the move must feel "organic once mastered." The challenge is to make the move look natural and effortless, which involves consistent rehearsal and attention to detail. Most magicians agree that while you can learn a functional Double Lift quickly, perfecting it is a lifelong pursuit.

What magicians say

Reviewers frequently highlight the Double Lift's importance and share tips for improvement. AMillionCardTricks states that the Double Lift is a "cornerstone of card magic" and advises to "practice turning over single cards using the same mechanics as your preferred double lift method" to avoid detection. PigCake mentions that the Double Lift is used "extensively" in routines and that performers should practice it "until it becomes completely natural and undetectable." Murphy's Magic Supplies, in a tutorial, stresses that "natural handling" is crucial, and that the move should be integrated into a routine so it doesn't stand out as a secret action. JosepVidalMagic teaches that "your audience's focus should be on the effect the visual transformation and not on your hands." Many, like the reviewer from magicorthodoxy, point out that a solid Double Lift is a prerequisite for more advanced card magic, noting that proficiency in a "break and double lift" is needed before learning other sleights.

What people are saying about Double Lift

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The routine relies on basic card sleights, making it accessible to magicians with a foundational understanding of card handling.

AMillionCardTricks says...

Highlights the Double Lift as a cornerstone of card magic, allowing the illusion of showing a single card while actually displaying two.

BestMagic says...

Key techniques include controls, forces, and a double lift for deception. Emphasizes timing and audience management.

BigBlindMedia says...

Likely utilizes techniques like color changes, double lifts, or gambling moves. Emphasizes the deceptive and stunning nature of the effect.

ellusionist says...

Minimal sleight of hand required, making it accessible. Emphasizes the importance of misdirection and pacing.

JosepVidalMagic says...

Key techniques covered include double lift preparation, snap change mechanics, and angle management. Performance tips focus on practice and misdirection.

lloydb says...

Focuses on sleight of hand with cards for close-up magic. Emphasizes the importance of proper mechanics over shortcuts.

magicorthodoxy says...

Key techniques include the Jordan Count, double lift, and triple lift. Careful handling is needed to avoid revealing the secret.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

A double lift is a key technique, requiring practice for undetectability. Timing and pacing are crucial for enhancing deception.

oscar says...

Includes techniques like double lifts and false cuts. Promotes a free magic training session for further learning.

PigCake says...

Uses a double lift to deceive the audience. Emphasizes misdirection and creating the illusion of failure.

SaturnMagicShop says...

While not a tutorial, the review touches on foundational moves like the double lift in the context of product critiques.

SeanDevine says...

The core of the routine relies on a Flexible Switch, Pharaoh Shuffle, Dribble Shuffle, and Double Lift. Precise positioning is crucial.

sebastiantoca9208 says...

The difficulty is relatively easy, requiring a basic double lift. It is practical, versatile, and easy to use.

Thecardists says...

Techniques include Double Lift, Shake Change, and various control methods. Performance tips focus on patter and timing.

VanishingIncMagic says...

Frost shares practical advice on sleights like the Glide, Top Palm, Pass, and Double Lift. He advocates for methodical practice and critical self-analysis.

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