Sleightful logoSleightful

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 deck, but secretly lifts and displays two cards as one. This creates the illusion of showing a specific card (e.g., a selected card or a prediction) while concealing the true top card. It is versatile and can be integrated into various routines like the Ambitious Card, color changes, transpositions, and predictions. Buyers should note that it requires practice to execute smoothly and deceptively, with an emphasis on natural handling, misdirection, and timing to avoid detection. It is performed with a standard deck, making it impromptu and suitable for beginners to advanced magicians.

Key features

  • Fundamental sleight used in numerous card tricks

  • Requires only a standard deck of cards

  • Emphasizes practice for natural and undetectable execution

  • Versatile for routines like Ambitious Card, color changes, and transpositions

  • Relies on misdirection and psychological subtlety

Pros

  • Highly versatile and applicable to many effects

  • No gimmicks or special props needed

  • Builds foundational card handling skills

  • Can be performed impromptu in various settings

  • Enhances deception when combined with good presentation

Cons

  • Requires significant practice to master

  • Can be detectable if executed poorly

  • May not be suitable for all angles or lighting conditions

  • Relies on performer's skill in misdirection

Effect

The Double Lift is a fundamental sleight in card magic. To the audience, it appears as if the magician cleanly turns over a single card from the top of the deck. This single card is shown, then placed back on top or elsewhere in the deck. The illusion is perfect; the spectator believes they have seen only one card, when in fact two cards were handled as one. This allows the magician to control which card is apparently shown or to create the illusion of a card changing or transforming at will.

Full details

The Double Lift is a core technique used to secretly display two cards as one. It is not a trick itself, but a utility move that enables countless effects. A magician obtains a break under the top two cards, lifts them together as if they are a single card, displays the face of the second card (which the audience believes is the top card), and then returns the two cards to the deck as one. The method for getting the break and executing the lift has many variations, including the strike double, the push-off double, and the thumb count. The move is often used in routines like the Ambitious Card, where a card repeatedly rises to the top, or in color changes and transpositions. Proper execution requires that the double card be handled with the same rhythm and pressure as a single card to avoid detection.

Who should consider the trick

The Double Lift is essential for any magician who works with cards. It is a foundational move that beginners must learn to progress in card magic. Intermediate and advanced performers continually refine their double lift to make it more deceptive. Magicians who perform close-up magic, particularly with cards, will find the double lift indispensable. It is also highly valuable for those who create their own routines, as it is a versatile tool for deception. As reviewer Sebastian Toca notes, many impressive card tricks require "a basic double lift," making it a gateway to more complex material.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Double Lift is considered a move of moderate difficulty that requires dedicated practice. While the basic mechanics can be learned quickly, mastering the move to the point where it is undetectable takes time. The challenge lies in making the lift, turnover, and replacement look identical to handling a single card. As PigCake emphasizes, you must "practice flipping single cards with the same mechanics as your double lift to avoid detection." Angles must be managed, and the move should be performed without hesitation or stiffness. Many reviewers, including those from A Million Card Tricks, stress that consistent practice is key to achieving a natural look. It is not the most difficult sleight, but it is one that demands ongoing refinement.

What magicians say

Magicians universally acknowledge the Double Lift as a cornerstone of card magic. Reviewer Sebastian Toca states that many tricks are "relatively easy, requiring a basic double lift," highlighting its accessibility for foundational routines. PigCake calls the double lift "crucial for deceptively showing a card" and advises practicing it until it becomes "completely natural and undetectable." From Murphy's Magic, a reviewer emphasizes that a convincing double lift relies on "naturalness and audience misdirection," not just technical skill. A Million Card Tricks notes that the move is "one of the most fundamental yet often mishandled moves in card magic," underscoring the importance of proper execution. Overall, magicians agree that the double lift is a powerful and essential tool, but its effectiveness depends entirely on the performer's dedication to practice and presentation.

What people are saying about Double Lift

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The routine uses basic card sleights, including double lifts, making it accessible with practice and essential for a convincing performance.

AMillionCardTricks says...

A cornerstone of card magic, the double lift allows the illusion of showing a single card while actually displaying two. Practice until it becomes natural and undetectable.

BestMagic says...

Uses only sleight of hand with a standard deck, including a well-timed double lift for deception, making it impromptu and practical for intermediate magicians.

BigBlindMedia says...

Likely utilizes techniques like color changes, double lifts, or gambling moves for a visually striking and deceptive transposition effect.

ellusionist says...

Minimal sleight of hand is required, with the double lift used for deception. Emphasize misdirection and pacing for a strong visual impact.

lloydb says...

The double lift is used in gimmick-based routines for deception, but emphasizes natural handling and misdirection to enhance the magical experience.

magicorthodoxy says...

Key techniques include the Jordan Count, double lift, and triple lift. Careful handling is needed to avoid revealing the secret, making it well-suited for close-up magic.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

A double lift is a key technique, requiring practice for undetectability. The routine emphasizes simplicity and deception over complex sleight of hand.

oscar says...

Teaches visual card tricks using techniques like double lifts, with clear instructions for beginners to build confidence and performance skills.

PigCake says...

The double lift is crucial for deceptively showing a card. Embrace mistakes and focus on timing and misdirection for a engaging performance.

SaturnMagicShop says...

Highlights trends in magic products, noting that some rely on gimmicks without strong routines, but techniques like the double lift remain essential for deceptive performances.

SeanDevine says...

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

sebastiantoca9208 says...

The difficulty is relatively easy, requiring a basic double lift. It is practical, versatile, and easy to use, recommended as a 'must-buy' for card magicians.

steventaputoro says...

Focuses on foundational techniques like double lifts, emphasizing patter and presentation for maximum impact in beginner-friendly routines.

Thecardists says...

Uses double lift in routines like the Wild Card for visual transformations, emphasizing practice for smooth execution and strong audience reactions.

VanishingIncMagic says...

Advocates for mimicking natural card handling in the double lift, rather than strict traditional methods, to enhance deception and performance naturalness.

Performance videos

Review videos

Promotional videos

Tutorial videos

Other videos