Holding Two Cards As One

Magic

@dario

2023-11-27

Card Magic Sleight Of Hand Advanced Practice Session Close-Up

I've got a question about handling two cards as one, because often when I find myself trying to

grab two cards as one for a color change or another move, I get called out for having

two cards, and it totally blows the effect.

So, I'm wondering if there's a special technique to do this cleanly and invisibly.

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@link22

2023-11-27

Hey Dario,

Double card handling itself is a topic that goes far beyond just the Double Lift.

Some magicians are truly known for their mastery of certain techniques. Ascanio, for example, is an ode to the double card. It's no wonder he had notes titled "The Handling of the Double Card," yet he didn't rely heavily on Double Lifts himself.

Techniques like the Floating Advance, the Nail Twist, the Wiggle Display, the Tenkai Turnover... Their purpose is to convey that 'single card' feel, ensuring the movement and handling are smooth (because sometimes you see people handling a double like it's a flask full of nitroglycerin).

I'll try to record a video with some examples of these types of moves that completely dispel the idea that you're handling one (or two) double cards.

@link22

2023-12-07

I'll add this response here, as it connects with what I posted earlier, for the sake of completeness.

https://magigram.com/es/club/magic/como-lidiar-con-fastidios-3911/

@oier.agirresarobe

2023-11-27

Hey Dario!

I'm not a master of that move, but to start, it's called the Double Lift, and it's a super solid technique because it works for all kinds of effects. In my opinion, every magician should learn it because, like I said, it's essential for everything – from color changes to the Ambitious Card routine and tons of other tricks.

I don't perform it flawlessly, but I'm happy with how I do it, and it gets the job done for me.

Here are some videos to help you tighten up your Double Lift. These guys will probably explain the move a lot better than I can, so check them out.

Later!

@zeta

2023-11-27

Hey there.

@Dario:

how do you hold two cards as one? A lot of times when I try to
use two cards as one for a color change or another sleight, spectators tell me
I'm holding two cards, and it totally blows my cover.

Practice, practice, practice :slight_smile:.

And it's not just about handling two cards as one; you can also handle three as one, or four—I've even seen five as one.

Ultimately, it all comes down to practicing over and over again.

The day will come when, without even realizing it, you'll do it perfectly and naturally.

@OierAgirresarobe:

I'm not super skilled with that move, but to start, it's called a Double Lift, and it's a fantastic technique because it's so versatile for all sorts of tricks. In my opinion, every magician should learn it because, as I said, it's useful for everything—like color changes, the Ambitious Card routine, and many other effects.
I don't do it perfectly, but I'm happy with my execution, and it gets the job done for me.

Just a quick note: the Double Lift is indeed wonderful, but only when you use it "just enough and exactly when necessary"—and no more. 😊

Abusing the Double Lift (as I've seen many beginner magicians do online) will only expose the technique (no matter how well you do it).

There are many more control techniques, and you should alternate between them.

(Honestly, doing the Ambitious Card with three or more double-faced cards feels a bit blatant to me, but to each their own 😅).

As always, just my opinion 😊.

All the best!