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Finger Palm Vanish

The Finger Palm Vanish is a classic close-up coin magic trick where a coin seemingly disappears from the magician's hand. The magician shows a coin, tips their hand, and pretends to transfer it to the other hand, but the coin secretly remains in the original hand, hidden in the natural curve of the fingers. This trick relies on natural hand positioning and subtle finger movements, making it appear as if the coin has vanished into thin air. It’s a versatile and beginner-friendly trick that can be performed with any coin and requires no gimmicks.

Key features

  • Uses natural hand positioning for a convincing vanish

  • Works with any coin, no gimmicks required

  • Beginner-friendly and easy to learn

  • Great for close-up or casual performances

  • Relies on subtle finger movements and misdirection

Pros

  • No special props or gimmicks needed

  • Versatile and can be performed anywhere

  • Looks natural and convincing with practice

  • Beginner-friendly with clear instructions

Cons

  • Requires practice to perfect the finger movements

  • May not be as visually flashy as other vanishes

Effect

The Finger Palm Vanish is a classic coin vanish that looks effortless to the audience. A magician shows a coin in their hand, pretends to transfer it to the other hand, and then reveals that the coin has disappeared. The vanish appears clean and natural, with no suspicious movements or gimmicks.

Full details

The Finger Palm Vanish relies on the natural curvature of the hand. The coin is secretly held in the finger palm position, where the fingers are slightly curled, and the coin rests in the space between the base of the fingers and the palm. The magician shows the coin in one hand, tips the hand slightly, and curls the fingers to hold the coin in the finger palm. The other hand pretends to catch the coin, while the first hand subtly retains it. With practice, the motion of the coin "falling" into the other hand looks convincing, even though the coin never leaves the first hand.

Who should consider the trick

The Finger Palm Vanish is ideal for beginners and experienced magicians alike. It’s a foundational technique in coin magic, and mastering it opens the door to more advanced vanishes and routines. It’s also a great choice for performers who want a simple, impromptu trick that requires no gimmicks or special props.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Finger Palm Vanish is relatively easy to learn but requires practice to perform smoothly. The key is to make the hand movements look natural and relaxed. Beginners may need time to get comfortable with the finger palm position and the timing of the vanish. However, with consistent practice, the trick becomes second nature and can be performed confidently in front of an audience.

What magicians say

Jay Sankey, a well-known magician, describes the Finger Palm Vanish as "a beauty" and praises its simplicity and effectiveness. He emphasizes the importance of natural hand positioning, stating, "When you watch people rest their hands on tables or by their side, usually they're curled. If you put a coin inside that spot right there in the finger area, you can walk around town and do whatever you're doing with the coin secretly held there." Sankey also highlights the importance of practice, noting that the vanish becomes more convincing as the performer becomes more comfortable with the technique.

What people are saying about Finger Palm Vanish

SankeyMagic says...

The Finger Palm Vanish is a beauty—it looks good, it's so simple to do, and you can do it with any coin. [...] The key is to relax your hands and let the coin sit naturally in the curve of your fingers.

Tutorial videos