Strike Double

Strike Double is a card magic technique that focuses on executing a visually deceptive and fluid double lift. This method is designed to look natural and effortless, making it ideal for close-up magic. The trick involves flipping over what appears to be a single card, but is actually two cards as one, without raising suspicion. It's a fundamental move that, when mastered, can significantly enhance the naturalness and impact of card magic performances.

Key features

  • Focuses on one solid double lift for card magic

  • Emphasizes practice, relaxation, and natural handling

  • The 'Waterwheel' double is highlighted for its visual deception and fluidity

  • Applicable to various double lift methods including strike double, Steuart Gordon double, and David Blaine’s variation

  • Suitable for magicians of all skill levels

Pros

  • Enhances the naturalness of card magic performances

  • Visually deceptive and fluid motion

  • Applicable to various double lift methods

  • Suitable for all skill levels

Cons

  • Beginners might find the precision challenging

  • Requires consistent practice to master

Effect

The Strike Double is a card magic technique that allows a magician to cleanly and convincingly turn over two cards as one. To the audience, it appears as if only a single card is being revealed. This move is commonly used in routines where a magician needs to show a card, change it, or make it vanish and reappear.

Full Details

The Strike Double is a method for executing a double lift—a fundamental sleight in card magic where two cards are handled as one. Unlike some other double lifts that require extensive setup or finger positioning, the Strike Double relies on a quick, natural motion to pick up two cards cleanly.

Key features of the Strike Double include:

  • A fast, fluid motion that mimics turning over a single card.
  • Minimal finger adjustments, making it harder for spectators to detect.
  • Works well in both casual and structured performances.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Strike Double is ideal for:

  • Intermediate magicians who already have basic card handling skills.
  • Performers looking for a reliable double lift that doesn’t require excessive preparation.
  • Anyone who wants to improve the naturalness of their card magic.

Difficulty

The Strike Double is not the easiest double lift to learn, but it is also not the most advanced. It requires:

  • Precision in gripping and turning the cards.
  • Practice to ensure the motion looks natural.
  • Confidence in handling to avoid hesitation.

Beginners may find it challenging at first, but with consistent practice, it becomes a strong addition to a magician’s toolkit.

What Magicians Say

Jay Sankey highlights the importance of relaxation and natural handling when performing the Strike Double, stating that "practice builds confidence and natural handling." He also warns against triggering suspicion by making the move look too stiff.

AMillionCardTricks emphasizes consistency, suggesting that magicians should "practice flipping single cards with the same mechanics as your double lift to avoid detection." This helps eliminate any unnatural movements that might give away the trick.

Both reviewers agree that the Strike Double is a valuable technique for card magicians, especially when executed smoothly and naturally.

What people are saying about Strike Double

AMillionCardTricks says...

Practice flipping single cards with the same mechanics as your double lift to avoid detection. [...] Eliminates the 'tell' of a double lift, making the move seamless.

SankeyMagic says...

The 'Waterwheel' double is visually deceptive and fluid. Relaxation is key to making moves look effortless.

Tutorial videos