Sleightful logoSleightful

One Handed Top Palm

The One-Handed Top Palm is a sophisticated card magic technique that allows a magician to secretly palm the top card of the deck using just one hand. This move is particularly useful for close-up magic, enabling the performer to control a card invisibly while maintaining a natural and relaxed demeanor. It's ideal for moments when you want to let a spectator shuffle the deck or when you need to secretly retain a card for later in the routine. The technique requires practice to master, especially in terms of finger strength and natural handling, but offers high deceptive potential for those willing to put in the work.

Key features

  • Allows for secret control of the top card with one hand

  • Can be incorporated into natural card squaring motions for better concealment

  • Requires finger strength and practice to master

  • Offers superior misdirection and efficiency compared to two-handed palms

  • Versatile for color changes and hidden maneuvers

Pros

  • Highly deceptive when mastered

  • Natural and relaxed execution

  • Versatile for various card magic routines

  • Superior misdirection compared to two-handed versions

Cons

  • Requires significant practice and finger strength

  • More advanced technique, not suitable for beginners

  • Specific grips and thumb positioning need to be perfected

Effect

The One Handed Top Palm lets a magician secretly take the top card of the deck using only one hand. The audience sees the magician handle the deck naturally, with no visible movement of the card. The stolen card remains hidden in the palm, allowing the magician to control it for later use in tricks like color changes, vanishes, or card-to-pocket effects.

Full Details

The One Handed Top Palm is a sleight that requires precise finger positioning and practice. The deck is held in a relaxed grip, with the pinky and thumb playing key roles in lifting the top card. The card pivots into the palm while the hand remains in motion, often disguised by squaring the deck or passing it to a spectator.

Key elements include:

  • Using the pinky to lift the top card slightly.
  • Tilting the deck to hide the card’s movement.
  • Keeping the hand relaxed to avoid suspicion.
  • Misdirection, such as tossing the deck or gesturing, to reinforce the illusion of an empty hand.

Some magicians prefer this over two-handed palms because it looks more natural and allows for smoother transitions in routines.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This move suits intermediate to advanced magicians comfortable with card sleights. It is ideal for performers who want:

  • A discreet way to control a card without extra moves.
  • A one-handed solution for moments when the other hand is occupied.
  • A versatile technique for card tricks, vanishes, or switches.

Beginners may find it challenging but can learn it with dedicated practice.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The One Handed Top Palm is considered an advanced technique. It requires:

  • Finger strength, particularly in the pinky.
  • Smooth execution to avoid flashing the card.
  • Practice to integrate it naturally into routines.

Magicians like Steve Faulkner note that while it seems tricky at first, it becomes easier with repetition. Craig Petty emphasizes thumb positioning and practice techniques to master it.

What Magicians Say

  • profrt highlights the move’s efficiency, stating, "One-handed top palms offer superior misdirection and efficiency compared to two-handed versions."
  • Steve Faulkner (RealMagicReview) calls it versatile and natural, preferring it over the one-handed bottom palm.
  • Lloyd uses it in his card-to-pocket routine, noting that a "wide one-handed top palm" helps with misdirection.
  • AMillionCardTricks describes it as "highly deceptive" but acknowledges it requires finger strength and practice.

The One Handed Top Palm is praised for its deceptive potential, making it a valuable addition to a magician’s skill set.

What people are saying about One Handed Top Palm

AMillionCardTricks says...

The creator loves this move for its practicality and deceptive potential, though they acknowledge it’s on the more advanced side.

lloydb says...

A wide one-handed top palm, where the card is allowed to protrude slightly, which is key to misdirection.

magic-tv says...

For the one-handed top palm, Craig shares tips on thumb positioning and practice techniques.

profrt says...

One-handed top palms offer superior misdirection and efficiency compared to two-handed versions.

RealMagicReview says...

Steve prefers it over the one-handed bottom palm for its natural feel. Misdirection is key to making the move seamless.

Tutorial videos

Other videos