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Double Lift

The Double Lift is a foundational sleight-of-hand technique in close-up card magic. To the spectator, it appears as if the magician cleanly turns over a single card from the top of the deck, revealing its face. In reality, the performer secretly lifts and turns over two cards as one, creating the illusion of showing a specific card while concealing the true top card. This versatile move is used in countless card tricks for controls, revelations, switches, and transformations, such as in ambitious card routines, color changes, predictions, and transpositions. Buyers should know that mastering the Double Lift requires practice to achieve a natural, undetectable motion, and it is considered an essential skill for any card magician, from beginners to professionals.

Key features

  • Foundational sleight used in numerous card magic routines

  • Creates the illusion of showing a single card while handling two

  • Requires practice to execute smoothly and without detection

  • Versatile: can be used for controls, revelations, switches, and more

  • No gimmicks needed—works with any standard deck of cards

  • Essential for tricks like ambitious card, color changes, and predictions

Pros

  • Versatile and foundational for card magic

  • No special props or gimmicks required

  • Can be integrated into many routines

  • High impact when performed well

  • Accessible to beginners with practice

Cons

  • Requires significant practice to master

  • Can be detectable if executed poorly

  • Relies on natural handling and misdirection

  • May not be suitable for all angles in performance

Effect

The Double Lift is a fundamental sleight in card magic. To the audience, it looks like the magician cleanly turns over a single card from the top of the deck. The card is shown, then placed back on top. This simple action is the secret engine behind countless impossible effects, such as cards changing identity, predictions coming true, or selected cards rising to the top.

Full details

A Double Lift is the action of secretly lifting two cards as one, presenting them as a single card. The magician gets ready by obtaining a small break under the top two cards. They then turn both cards over together, showing the face of the second card. The audience believes they are seeing only one card. After displaying it, both cards are returned as one to the top of the deck. This creates the powerful illusion that a known card is in a specific position, when in reality, a different card is hidden beneath it. The move is not a trick by itself but a core technique used to facilitate magic. As reviewer David from Magic Orthodoxy notes, proficiency in holding a break and executing the lift are key prerequisites.

Who should consider the trick

Every card magician should learn the Double Lift. It is essential for beginners building their first routines and remains a vital tool for advanced performers. If you perform card magic, you need this move. It is the backbone of classic plots like the Ambitious Card, Triumph, and countless transposition and prediction effects. As multiple reviewers state, it is a cornerstone of card magic. Magicians who perform close-up, parlor, or even stage magic with cards will find constant use for a clean Double Lift.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The basic mechanics of a Double Lift can be learned quickly, often considered a beginner move. However, mastering it to the point of complete deception is a lifelong pursuit for many magicians. The difficulty lies not in the finger movements but in the performance. The goal is to make the double turnover look identical to how you turn over a single card. This requires consistent practice to eliminate tells, such as hesitation, a different grip, or unnatural pacing. As AMillionCardTricks advises, you should practice flipping single cards using the exact same mechanics as your Double Lift to build that consistency. Reviewer Sebastian Toca notes that for some tricks, a basic double lift is sufficient, while PigCake humorously acknowledges that even a "world's worst top change" can be effective with the right presentation and misdirection. The move is physically easy but artistically challenging.

What magicians say

Reviewers consistently emphasize the Double Lift's importance and share tips for improvement. AMillionCardTricks calls it a "cornerstone of card magic" and offers tutorials focused on refining the get-ready action to be more natural. They stress that a small adjustment in timing can make the move invisible.

PigCake incorporates the Double Lift into many routines, like his "Change the Cards" variation, and advises using it to practice in front of an audience even when nervous, noting that "participants aren't always as perceptive as magicians think."

In his review, David from Magic Orthodoxy points out that for many tricks, a Double Lift is the most challenging sleight-of-hand element required, highlighting its central role.

Chris Ramsay, in a tutorial for Murphy's Magic, focuses on the presentation, saying the key isn't just the mechanics but the story you weave and the misdirection you use. He recommends a "thumb fan" double lift for its deceptive and visually appealing execution.

Andrew Frost, in a conversation with Vanishing Inc. Magic, suggests mimicking the natural way people handle cards for the Double Lift, rather than adhering strictly to traditional, sometimes robotic, methods.

Finally, in a tutorial for the classic Chicago Opener, AMillionCardTricks reminds performers that the Double Lift is the trick's "only prerequisite," underscoring that mastering this one move can unlock a powerful, audience-tested routine.

What people are saying about Double Lift

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Reynolds emphasizes that the routine relies on basic card sleights, making it accessible to magicians with a foundational understanding of card handling.

AMillionCardTricks says...

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

BestMagic says...

The method relies on a clever combination of controls, forces, and a well-timed double lift, all executed under the premise of fair dealing.

BigBlindMedia says...

The lack of description or transcript suggests this is purely a performance piece rather than a tutorial.

ellusionist says...

Minimal sleight of hand is required, making it accessible yet powerful. The creator loves this trick for its instant visual impact and still performs it regularly.

JosepVidalMagic says...

For the beginner version, Vidal covers: Double Lift Preparation: A crucial first step to set up the illusion. He provides tips on getting a clean, undetectable lift.

lloydb says...

The creator's approach is based on the principle that a strong foundational technique is crucial for creating a truly magical effect.

magicorthodoxy says...

The core of the trick relies on a few key sleights. David identifies the Jordan Count as the most challenging, but reassures viewers that the video includes instruction on how to execute it. He also mentions a double lift and a triple lift as part of the routine.

magic-tv says...

He offers advice on finding the first tricks for a younger kid and shares his thoughts on dealing with the production of sponge balls.

MattMcGurk says...

The core effect is a compelling double prediction. A spectator freely selects a card and shuffles it back into the deck. Despite this, the magician is able to reveal that the chosen card has impossibly landed between two specific cards.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

A key element is the use of a double lift, which the creator advocates for practicing until it becomes completely natural and undetectable.

oscar says...

The core of the trick relies on a clever combination of a well-known card control and a specific type of double lift.

PigCake says...

Key techniques include false cuts, double lifts, double undercut, Jinx Change, Elmsley Count, and Flip-Flop Change.

SaturnMagicShop says...

Mark emphasizes a trend of creators releasing gimmicks 'for the sake of a gimmick' rather than focusing on a strong routine or purpose.

SeanDevine says...

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

sebastiantoca9208 says...

The app is practical, versatile, and easy to use. It is recommended as a 'must-buy' for card magicians.

steventaputoro says...

Since the video is labeled as a beginner tutorial, it likely avoids complex sleights, making it accessible to newcomers. The trick may rely on basic principles like forces, double lifts, or simple controls.

Thecardists says...

Double Lift: Used to conceal the blank card during transitions.

VanishingIncMagic says...

Double Lift: He suggests mimicking the natural way people handle cards, rather than adhering strictly to traditional methods.

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