Blow Change
What the Blow Change Looks Like
You show the top card of the deck, and it’s clearly not the spectator's card. You give the cards a quick, gentle blow, and right before their eyes, the card instantly transforms into their selection. It's a fast, visual moment that looks like a camera trick, but you can do it right in front of someone.
How the Blow Change Works
The secret is a mix of a clever card control and a specific hand position that creates a "track" for the card to move. While the spectator is looking at their chosen card, you use a "modern dribble" to secretly set everything up. The change happens because you use a natural upward hand motion and a puff of air to hide a quick, mechanical shift of the cards. It works because the move is hidden behind the very action that supposedly causes the magic.
What You'll Learn
You'll start by learning how to control a card to the second position from the top. Julio shows you how to "ditch" a packet of cards while the spectator is distracted. This is a great skill to have because it lets you get the card exactly where you need it without anyone suspecting a thing. You can even use this control for other tricks in your repertoire.
Next, you'll dive into the mechanics of the Blow Change itself. You'll learn how to hold the deck in a modified mechanic's grip and how to use your thumb to push the card forward. Julio explains how to use your fingers to create a track so the cards stay perfectly squared during the move. You'll also learn the exact timing of the blow and the hand gesture that makes the change look impossible.
About Julio Ribera
Julio Ribera is a professional magician who specializes in making visual magic practical for real-world performances. He is known for teaching moves that look like CGI but are designed to be performed for actual people in everyday situations.
What's Included
- How to use the "modern dribble" to hide a secret move
- The "packet ditch" technique to control a card to the second position
- Setting up the perfect pinky break for the change
- How to create a "track" with your fingers to keep the cards squared
- The exact thumb motion used to trigger the color change
- Timing your breath and hand movement for the best visual effect
Frequently Asked Questions about the Blow Change
What angles work for this?
This move is best performed with the audience directly in front of you. Julio shows you how to tilt the cards toward the spectator so they can't see the depth of the deck or the secret move happening behind the top card.
Can I do this surrounded?
It’s a visual change, so it’s best if people aren't standing directly behind you or to your extreme sides. However, the grip you use provides a lot of cover from the front and sides.
What props do I need?
You just need a standard deck of playing cards. No sticky stuff or special cards are required.
How much practice does this take?
This is a mid-level move. You'll likely spend a few afternoons getting the muscle memory down so the card moves smoothly along the "track" without snagging. Once you have the feel for it, the move becomes very reliable.