Card and Coin Opener
What This Skill Does For You
This routine gives you a reliable, elegant opener that blends cards and coins seamlessly. By focusing on the small details of your movement rather than just the mechanics of the trick, you’ll learn how to make your magic look natural and effortless. It’s a foundational piece that teaches you how to structure a vanish so it feels like a moment of true mystery.
How It's Taught
Luis Olmedo breaks this down by focusing on the "nuances" that turn a simple trick into a performance piece. He walks you through the sequence step-by-step, showing you how to integrate moves like the Ross Bertram turn and the click pass. The instruction emphasizes the rhythm of your hands and how to keep the focus on the coins even when using cards as props.
What Level Is This For
This is an intermediate routine. You should be comfortable with basic palming and confident in handling coins on a mat. If you have spent some time practicing standard vanishes, you’ll find these techniques accessible, though they require dedicated practice to make the movements look as fluid as Luis’s.
About the Instructor
Luis Olmedo is a World Micro Magic Champion and a winner of Penn & Teller: Fool Us. He is known globally for his mastery of coin manipulation and his ability to teach complex sleights in a clear, practical way.
What's Included
- The Ross Bertram Turn: How to use this move to handle the cards and coins cleanly.
- Click Pass Refinements: Techniques to make the click pass look like a genuine transfer.
- Natural Vanishing: How to use a stroking motion to mask the palming of coins.
- Routine Structure: How to pace your performance to keep the audience focused on the magic.
- Display Techniques: Methods for showing your hands are empty after a vanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until I can perform this?
If you already have basic coin handling skills, you can learn the sequence in a day. However, it will take a few weeks of practice to make the moves look natural and deceptive.
What if I have small hands?
This routine relies more on timing and misdirection than on large-hand dexterity. The "stroking" technique is designed to be subtle, so it works well regardless of your hand size.
Is this easier with specific coins?
Standard half-dollars or similar sized coins work best. The size allows for easy palming while remaining visible enough for the audience to follow the effect.
Can I learn this without a teacher watching?
Yes. The video clearly explains the angles and the "nuances" you need to watch for. Use a mirror or your phone camera to check your angles while you practice the click pass and the vanishes.