Side Steal

Side Steal is a classic close-up card magic sleight that allows a magician to secretly control or remove a selected card from the deck. From the spectator's perspective, a card is chosen and lost in the middle of the deck, but the magician invisibly steals it to the top, bottom, or palms it away entirely. This versatile move is foundational in card magic, ideal for beginners and experts alike, and can be seamlessly integrated into routines like ambitious card or card revelations. It relies on natural body movements and misdirection to maintain invisibility, making it perfect for intimate performances where smooth execution is key. Buyers should note that while it's easy to learn the basics, mastering the subtleties for undetectable performance requires dedicated practice, often recommended with a mirror for self-assessment.

Key features

Fundamental card sleight for controlling or palming a selected card
Versatile utility move usable in various card tricks and routines
Emphasizes naturalness and misdirection to avoid detection
Suitable for beginners with minimal prior sleight-of-hand knowledge
Can be practiced and performed in close-up settings without special equipment

Pros

Easy to learn for beginners, making it accessible
Highly versatile for multiple magic applications
Enhances misdirection and performance skills
No additional props or gimmicks required

Cons

Requires practice to execute smoothly and invisibly
May be challenging to master for flawless performance
Relies heavily on audience management and natural movements

Effect

The Side Steal makes a chosen card vanish from the deck while the audience believes it remains lost in the middle. The magician appears to simply square the cards, but secretly removes the selected card. This creates a moment of surprise when the card later reappears in an impossible location or is shown to be missing entirely.

Full details

The Side Steal is a card sleight used to secretly control a chosen card. It involves removing a card from the center of the deck while maintaining the appearance that the deck remains intact. The move can function as a control to bring a card to the top or bottom, or as a palm to remove the card completely from the deck. It is a direct method that does not require complex setups or additional gimmicks. The sleight relies on specific hand positioning and finger pressure to execute smoothly.

Who should consider the trick

This move suits magicians at various skill levels. Beginners will find it a practical introduction to card controls. Jay Sankey notes its value for stage magicians, while AMillionCardTricks highlights its accessibility for those new to card magic. Performers who do close-up or stand-up magic can incorporate it into many routines. Magicians looking for a versatile utility move that works as both a control and a palm will benefit from learning the Side Steal.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Side Steal requires practice to perform effectively. AMillionCardTricks describes it as easy to learn for beginners, but emphasizes that smooth execution is key. Jay Sankey classifies it as an advanced technique within his set of vanishes. SeanDevine advises practicing on hard surfaces and using misdirection to conceal the action. Mastery involves developing a natural rhythm and avoiding jerky motions. Consistent practice in front of a mirror helps ensure the move remains invisible from the front.

What magicians say

Jay Sankey calls the Side Steal a favorite among stage magicians for its ease of use in performance. Craig Petty includes a variation of the move in his utility sequences, noting its value for adding phases to card routines. SeanDevine recommends practicing the Side Steal while looking away from the hands to improve misdirection. AMillionCardTricks states that the Side Steal is a fundamental sleight that serves as a building block for many card tricks.

What people are saying about Side Steal

AMillionCardTricks says...

The core purpose of the Side Steal is to secretly remove a selected card from the deck while maintaining the illusion that it is being lost in the middle.

magic-tv says...

His Side Steal variation follows, providing a smooth method for card control.

SankeyMagic says...

The Side Steal, a favorite among stage magicians, lets you steal a card from the middle of the deck with ease.

SeanDevine says...

He emphasizes the role of misdirection, particularly when performing moves like a pass or side steal, and suggests looking away from the hands to naturally draw the audience's attention elsewhere.