SleightfulTwo-Hand Top Palm
Key features
Advanced technique suitable for experienced magicians
Versatile for use in various card routines
Subtle and natural handling for maximum deception
Requires practice to master the palm and misdirection
Pros
Highly versatile for multiple card tricks
Subtle and natural handling
Adds a professional touch to card magic routines
Cons
Requires significant practice to master
Not suitable for beginners
May be challenging for those with smaller hands
Effect
The Two-Hand Top Palm is a sleight that allows a magician to secretly remove the top card of a deck and conceal it in their hand while appearing to simply square the cards. To the audience, it looks like the magician is casually handling the deck, but in reality, the top card has been palmed and is ready to be used in a variety of effects, such as card to wallet, ambitious card routines, or card to pocket.
Full details
The Two-Hand Top Palm involves a subtle yet precise motion. The magician squares the deck with both hands, and under the cover of the right hand, the left thumb pushes the top card off the deck. The right hand then gently catches the card in the palm. The motion is smooth and natural, making it difficult for the audience to detect. This palm is particularly effective because it can be performed in a relaxed manner, allowing the magician to maintain a casual demeanor while executing the move.
Who should consider the trick
This sleight is ideal for intermediate to advanced magicians who are comfortable with card handling and are looking to expand their repertoire of palms. It’s especially useful for performers who want to incorporate card vanishes, transpositions, or other effects that require secretly controlling a card. If you enjoy tricks like card to wallet or ambitious card routines, the Two-Hand Top Palm is a valuable addition to your skill set.
Information on how difficult it is to perform
The Two-Hand Top Palm is considered an expert-level move. It requires practice to master the timing, angle, and subtlety of the motion. The key is to make the palm look natural and effortless, which can take time to perfect. However, once mastered, it becomes a versatile and reliable tool in a magician’s arsenal. Jay Sankey notes that while it’s challenging, the payoff is worth the effort, as it can be used in a wide range of effects.
What magicians say
Jay Sankey describes the Two-Hand Top Palm as a "beautiful technique" that works seamlessly in routines like card to wallet and ambitious card. He emphasizes its natural appearance, stating, "In performance, it’s this and it’s done." Sankey also highlights the importance of practice, particularly in getting the card to slide smoothly into the palm without detection. He uses this palm frequently in his own performances, showcasing its practicality and effectiveness. Overall, magicians who have mastered this sleight praise its versatility and the strong reactions it elicits from audiences.
What people are saying about Two-Hand Top Palm
SankeyMagic says...
The Two-Hand Top Palm is a very different approach with this you spread out the cards they can touch any card you cut the pack there you say they have any idea what the card is they say they don't know what it is and you say well take a look for spates you say look test conditions very slowly slipping the four in the middle of the pack they can see it you square it in like that you can even have the cards to be shuffled like before and impossibly again the card is no longer in the deck it's actually in your right hand.
Tutorial videos
5 Ways To Vanish A Card! Learn the Amazing Magic Trick Secrets | Jay Sankey Tutorial
SankeyMagic mentioned this magic trick in this video.