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Thumb Fan Steal by BigBlindMedia

Created by: BigBlindMedia

The Thumb Fan Steal is a sophisticated card magic technique that allows the magician to secretly steal a card from the deck while performing a thumb fan. This method is particularly effective for close-up magic, where the magician can control, produce, or transform cards in a seemingly impossible manner. The steal is disguised within the natural motion of closing a thumb fan, making it seamless and undetectable to the spectator. It's ideal for magicians looking to add a stealthy card control to their repertoire, suitable for various card magic routines.

Key features

  • Disguises the steal within the natural motion of closing a thumb fan

  • Suitable for magicians of all skill levels

  • Can be used to control, produce, or transform cards

  • Emphasizes natural movements and angle awareness

  • Practical applications in a wide range of card magic routines

Pros

  • Seamless and undetectable when performed correctly

  • Versatile application in various card magic effects

  • Enhances the magician's ability to control the deck subtly

  • Detailed tutorial available for learning the technique

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the natural motion and angle awareness

  • May not be suitable for absolute beginners without prior card handling experience

Effect

The Thumb Fan Steal is a deceptive card control technique. The magician fans the deck with their thumb, then closes the fan while secretly stealing a card from the bottom. To the audience, it appears as a simple flourish or casual deck handling. The stolen card remains hidden in the magician's hand, ready for later use in a trick.

Full Details

The Thumb Fan Steal disguises the card steal within a natural action—closing a thumb fan. The magician fans the deck, then uses their right fingers to pull the bottom card aside as the fan collapses. The motion blends into normal shuffling or handling, making the steal invisible.

This method shares mechanics with other steals, such as the Kelly Bottom Placement, but integrates smoothly into fanning actions. The key is applying pressure with the thumb while the fingers pull the card to the side. The move requires practice to ensure the steal looks like part of the fanning motion.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This technique suits magicians who:

  • Perform card magic regularly.
  • Want a subtle way to control or steal cards.
  • Use fans or shuffles in their routines.
  • Prefer moves that disguise sleight of hand within natural actions.

Beginners may find it challenging but rewarding to learn, while experienced performers can refine it for seamless execution.

Difficulty

The Thumb Fan Steal is intermediate in difficulty. It requires:

  • Precise finger placement to pull the card smoothly.
  • Coordination between thumb pressure and finger movement.
  • Practice to make the steal look like part of the fanning action.

Biz from Big Blind Media notes that mastering this move can unlock similar techniques, such as the Riffle Shuffle Integration.

What Magicians Say

Biz describes the Thumb Fan Steal as "such a good move" due to its practicality. He emphasizes practicing it because "a lot of people are definitely using it in their act." The technique works well when disguised within natural handling, making it a valuable tool for card magic.

He also highlights its similarity to other steals, suggesting that learning one method can help with others. The key is making the motion casual and motivated, avoiding rigid or unnatural movements.

For magicians looking to expand their card control options, the Thumb Fan Steal offers a versatile and deceptive method.

What people are saying about Thumb Fan Steal

BigBlindMedia says...

The Thumb Fan Steal is such a good move, a lot of people are definitely using it in their act. It's all about variation and applying the same mechanics from the Kelly bottom placement to steal the bottom card as you close the thumb fan.

Tutorial videos