Downs Palm
The "Claw" Problem
You want to show your hands are empty, but your hand looks like a stiff claw. Your friends can tell you're hiding something just by how you're holding your fingers. If you can't relax your hand, the magic doesn't look real.
How the Downs Palm Helps
The Downs Palm lets you hide a coin while keeping your fingers wide and relaxed. Instead of squeezing the coin in the middle of your palm, you tuck it into the "crotch" of your thumb. This keeps it out of sight even when your hand is turned toward the audience.
This move is the secret behind routines like the Miser’s Dream, where you catch dozens of coins out of thin air. It also builds hand strength. It uses muscles in your thumb that other moves don't touch. Learning this now makes harder coin tricks much easier to learn later.
About Jose Arcario
Jose is an award-winning magician who specializes in micromagic and precision coin work. He competed at FISM, the world championships of magic, and is known for making small objects move with total control.
What's Included
- The starting grip between the index and middle fingers
- How to slide the coin into the thumb crotch without looking
- The exact pressure points between the thumb and index finger
- How to "produce" the coin so it looks like it appeared from nowhere
- Side-view angles to check your concealment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Downs Palm hard to learn?
The movement is simple, but it feels a bit weird at first. You’re using muscles in your thumb that aren't usually active. It takes a few days of "fidgeting" with a coin to make it feel natural.
Do I need special coins?
No. You can use a quarter, a half-dollar, or any similar-sized coin. Larger coins are actually a little easier to grip when you're first starting out.
What skill level is this for?
This is a foundation move. It’s perfect for beginners because it teaches you how to hold a coin securely without tension. If you want to do serious coin magic, you need this move.
How long does it take to learn?
You’ll understand the mechanic in the first two minutes. To make it look "invisible" so you can keep your hand relaxed, plan on practicing for about 10-15 minutes a day for a week.