How to Master the Italian Palm

You want to hide a coin, but your hand looks like a stiff claw. If your palm looks tense or "hooked," people know you're hiding something. You need a way to keep a coin out of sight while your hand stays flat and relaxed.

A Natural Way to Hide Coins

This lesson teaches you the Italian Palm, which many magicians call the Thumb Crotch Palm. You’ll learn how to move a coin from your fingertips directly into the fleshy space between your thumb and index finger. It’s a versatile move because it lets you keep your palm open and your fingers moving.

Once you get the hang of this, you can point at things or gesture naturally while a coin is hidden in plain sight. It’s a great way to "vanish" a coin and show your hand empty without the tell-tale tension of other grips.

About Jose Arcario

Jose Arcario is an award-winning close-up magician who specializes in micromagic. He’s spent years perfecting coin manipulations for professional stages and competitions, so he knows exactly where your fingers need to be to keep the move invisible.

What’s Included

• Starting positions using the index and middle fingers
• How to use your finger pads to guide the coin
• Finding the "thumb clip" sweet spot
• Securing the coin firmly in the thumb web
• How to adjust the move for different finger positions
• Over-the-shoulder and side angles of the grip

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this hard to learn?
It’s a foundation move. It will feel a little clumsy for the first ten minutes, but since it uses the large muscles of your thumb, most people pick it up much faster than a classic palm.

Do I need special coins?
No. You can do this with a quarter, a half dollar, or any similar-sized coin you have in your pocket.

What if I have small hands?
The Italian Palm is actually one of the best grips for people with smaller hands. It relies on the "crotch" of the thumb rather than the width of the palm, so it’s very secure regardless of hand size.

How long does it take to get it down?
You’ll understand the mechanic in about 60 seconds. To make it look smooth enough to do in front of a friend, you'll want to practice the "pinch" for a day or two while you're watching TV or sitting at your desk.