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One-Handed Top Palm

The One-Handed Top Palm is a close-up card magic sleight that allows you to secretly palm the top card of the deck using only one hand, making it appear as if the card has vanished or been controlled without detection. Spectators see a natural handling of the deck, often integrated into gestures like squaring the cards or handing the deck to someone, while the magician secretly retains the card in their palm. This move is highly versatile for routines such as color changes, card controls, vanishes, and pocketing effects, and it's favored for its deceptive potential and efficiency in one-handed operation. Buyers should note that it requires significant finger strength, practice, and attention to misdirection to master, and it's considered an advanced technique suitable for serious card workers looking to enhance their sleight-of-hand arsenal.

Key features

  • Versatile for various card routines like color changes and controls

  • Easier and more natural feel compared to one-handed bottom palm

  • Requires finger strength and dedicated practice for mastery

  • Emphasizes misdirection and natural hand motions for deception

  • Can be integrated into larger gestures for seamless performance

  • Uses specific grips and thumb positioning for effective execution

  • Allows for re-gripping with techniques like the Dingle grip

  • Suitable for commercial and professional performances

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and natural when performed correctly

  • Versatile for multiple card magic applications

  • Efficient one-handed operation frees up the other hand

  • Taught with detailed tips and practice advice in various resources

Cons

  • Advanced technique requiring significant practice and finger strength

  • Can be challenging for beginners to master

  • Relies heavily on misdirection and angle management

Effect

The One-Handed Top Palm makes a card vanish from the top of the deck. The magician uses one hand to hold the deck. With a simple motion, the top card disappears. The hand holding the deck appears empty. The card is secretly hidden in the palm. This allows the magician to control the card secretly for later in the routine.

Full details

The One-Handed Top Palm is a sleight for secretly holding the top card of the deck in one hand. The deck is held in a specific grip. The pinky finger presses the top right corner of the card. This action pivots the card up and into the palm. The thumb position is important for folding the card into the hand. The move can be blended into natural actions like squaring the deck or handing it to a spectator. It is a utility move used for card controls, vanishes, and color changes. The move requires finger strength and practice to perform smoothly.

Who should consider the trick

This move is for magicians who perform card magic regularly. It is good for those who want to improve their sleight of hand. Steve Faulkner says it is versatile for color changes and hidden maneuvers. It is useful for performers in close-up settings like bars and restaurants. Magicians who want a deceptive one-handed palm should consider learning it. It is best for those willing to practice consistently.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The One-Handed Top Palm is an advanced technique. AMillionCardTricks states it requires finger strength and practice. The initial learning curve can be challenging. Steve Faulkner notes that it feels natural with practice. Craig Petty shares that specific practice techniques help in mastering it. Reid Ferry stresses that consistent and mindful practice is necessary for it to look effortless. It is not recommended for complete beginners.

What magicians say

Steve Faulkner says the One-Handed Top Palm is "versatile and easier than it appears." He prefers it over other palms for its natural feel. AMillionCardTricks calls it a "highly deceptive technique worth mastering." They emphasize that relaxed hand positioning is key to deception. Lloyd uses a wide one-handed top palm in his card to pocket routine, noting that tossing the deck helps create the illusion of an empty hand. Reid Ferry provides a comprehensive breakdown, highlighting that natural hand motions and misdirection make the move invisible. Craig Petty offers tips on thumb positioning and integrating the palm into a squaring motion for better concealment.

What people are saying about One-Handed Top Palm

AlakazamMagicUK says...

A PDF tutorial details Phil's expert approach to mastering the One-Handed Top Palm, making a challenging move more accessible than ever.

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...

Squaring the deck with the thumb at the back, transitioning into a one-handed top palm. 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.

ReidFerry says...

He emphasizes that this is not a move to be rushed; it demands dedicated practice to look natural and effortless.

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