DPS Cover Control

Effect

The DPS Cover Control is a deceptive card control that allows a magician to secretly move a selected card to the top of the deck while keeping the top card in full view the entire time. To the audience, it appears as though the magician simply squares the deck, with no suspicious movements or flashes. The selected card seemingly stays in the middle, yet it ends up on top without any visible manipulation.

Full Details

The DPS Cover Control is a variation of the Diagonal Palm Shift (DPS), a well-known sleight in card magic. Unlike the standard DPS, which requires tilting the deck to conceal the card’s movement, this version keeps the top card visible throughout the entire action. The magician gets a pinky break above the selected card, pushes it into the deck, and then pivots it into a hidden position under the cover of the top card. The mechanics involve precise finger placement and angle management to ensure the move remains invisible.

ReidFerry describes it as "super deceptive because you can just look at the top card—the top card is in view the entire time—and it just looks like I square up everything, and that card's on top." The move is particularly useful for setting up a double lift immediately afterward, as the controlled card ends up second from the top.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This move is ideal for intermediate to advanced card magicians who are already comfortable with controls like the DPS or spread pass. It’s especially useful for performers who want a more deceptive way to control a card without drawing attention to the deck’s angles. If you frequently use double lifts or need a subtle way to position a card for a revelation, the DPS Cover Control is a strong addition to your repertoire.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The DPS Cover Control is moderately difficult, requiring practice to master the angles and finger coordination. ReidFerry mentions that while it’s "less angle-sensitive than the DPS," it still demands precision to avoid flashing the card during the pivot. The move involves:

• Getting a clean pinky break.
• Pushing the card into the deck while maintaining cover.
• Pivoting the card under the top card without exposing the mechanics.

ReidFerry notes that "the front is probably the hardest angle for this one," but with practice, it becomes smooth and deceptive.

What Magicians Say

ReidFerry, who has been refining this move for years, praises its deceptive qualities:

• "It's so deceptive—it doesn't even look like anything happens, but the card's on top."
• "The top card is in view the entire time, and it just looks like I square up everything."

He also highlights its practicality for routines: "You can go straight into a double lift or something... it's a really fun move."

For magicians looking for a fresh, deceptive control that maintains visual cleanliness, the DPS Cover Control is a compelling option. Its ability to keep the top card in view while secretly positioning a selected card makes it a valuable tool for card workers.