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Spread Pass

The Spread Pass is a sleight-of-hand card technique designed to secretly control a selected card to the top of the deck. This move is celebrated for its visual subtlety, as it mimics the natural action of spreading and squaring the deck, making the card's movement virtually undetectable. Ideal for close-up magic, this technique is perfect for magicians looking to enhance their card magic repertoire with a deceptive yet practical method. The Spread Pass is particularly useful in impromptu performances where a convincing, low-key method is essential.

Key features

  • Visual subtlety makes the card's movement appear as part of spreading and squaring the deck

  • Ideal for impromptu performances

  • Enhances card magic repertoire with a deceptive yet practical method

  • Requires practice to master the mechanics and maintain natural rhythm

Pros

  • Highly deceptive when executed well

  • Versatile for various card magic routines

  • Does not require any gimmicks or special setups

Cons

  • Requires significant practice to perfect

  • May be challenging for beginners to master the subtlety

Effect

The Spread Pass is a sleight-of-hand technique used to secretly control a selected card to the top of the deck. To the audience, it appears as if the magician is simply spreading and squaring the cards, with no visible movement of the selected card. The deceptive nature of the move makes it ideal for routines where a spectator’s card needs to be brought to the top without raising suspicion.

Full Details

The Spread Pass involves isolating a selected card within a spread deck and subtly transferring it to the top while appearing to square the cards. Key elements include:

  • Initial Spread: The deck is spread to locate and isolate the selected card.
  • Concealed Movement: A subtle hand motion hides the card’s transfer to the top.
  • Natural Rhythm: The action blends into the natural motion of spreading and squaring the deck.

PigCake expands on this technique with his "Secret Palm," which incorporates a pinky break to facilitate a clean palm of the card. This variation adds versatility, allowing the magician to palm the card while maintaining the illusion of a simple spread.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Spread Pass is best suited for magicians who:

  • Want a deceptive method for controlling a card to the top.
  • Prefer impromptu techniques that don’t require setup.
  • Are comfortable with intermediate card sleights.

PigCake emphasizes that learning the foundational Spread Pass is essential before attempting advanced variations like the Secret Palm.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Spread Pass requires practice to execute smoothly. Key challenges include:

  • Subtlety: The move must look like a natural spread and square.
  • Timing: Proper rhythm prevents telegraphing the control.
  • Hand Coordination: Both hands must work together seamlessly.

PigCake recommends practicing in front of a mirror or camera to refine invisibility.

What Magicians Say

Steven Taputoro highlights the Spread Pass as a "deceptive yet practical method" for card control, praising its visual subtlety. He notes that it works well in impromptu performances where a low-key method is essential.

PigCake builds on the technique with his Secret Palm, calling it a "potentially enjoyable addition" to a magician’s repertoire. He stresses the importance of mastering the foundational Spread Pass before attempting variations. Both magicians agree that the move is valuable for those looking to enhance their card magic toolkit.

What people are saying about Spread Pass

PigCake says...

The move is rooted in the spread pass, a technique he encourages viewers to learn through his academy. [...] He frames the technique as a potentially enjoyable addition to a magician's repertoire, despite its somewhat unconventional origins.

steventaputoro says...

The spread pass is favored for its visual subtlety—when executed well, it appears as though the deck is simply being spread and squared, masking the secret transfer of the card.

Tutorial videos