Double Undercut Control
Why Your Card Controls Look Suspicious
Most beginners try to hide a card by shuffling the deck for a long time. They look at their hands, move tentatively, and make it obvious that they're doing "something" to the cards. This makes the audience stop trusting that the card is actually lost.
The Power of the Natural Cut
When you master the Double Undercut, you don't need to shuffle for a minute to get a card to the top. You just perform a couple of quick, natural-looking cuts. To the spectator, it looks like you just squared up the deck and gave it a quick mix. In reality, you have perfect control over their card's position.
What You'll Learn
Julio Ribera breaks down his favorite way to control a card. This is a move he uses in his professional sets because it's reliable and works under pressure. You’ll start by learning the proper Biddle grip to hold the deck securely.
You'll see how to use a swing cut to have the spectator place their card (like the two of hearts or eight of diamonds) into the middle. The secret lies in the pinky break, which lets you track the card without anyone seeing. From there, Julio shows you the specific mechanics of the double undercut—taking small packets from the bottom and moving them to the top—to bring their card exactly where you want it.
About Julio Ribera
Julio is a Spanish magician and digital creator who has taught magic to millions of people online. He focuses on "learning by doing," teaching you the theory through practical moves you can use right away. He uses this specific control in his professional street magic and close-up routines.
What's Included
- The proper Biddle grip for deck handling
- Using swing and swivel cuts to lose the card
- How to hold a clean pinky break
- The mechanics of the double undercut
- Controlling a card to the top or bottom of the deck
- Tips for performing the move at a natural speed
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the spectator sees the gap in the cards?
Julio shows you how to angle the deck so the pinky break stays hidden from the front. If you keep the deck level or slightly tilted toward you, they won't see a thing.
Do I have to move the card to the top?
No. While this tutorial focuses on the top control, the same movement can be used to move a card to the bottom or any specific position you need for your trick.
Is this hard to learn?
It’s one of the most accessible controls in card magic. Once you get the "knack" for the pinky break and the rhythm of the cuts, you'll be able to do it without looking at your hands.