Second Deal

Where This Fits

You'll use the Second Deal whenever you need to control a card to the top while appearing to deal it away. It’s a staple for poker-themed routines, magic where a spectator picks a number, or any time you need to secretly retain a specific card while dealing others.

What Makes It Practical

This move is all about timing and choosing the right equipment. Using borderless decks like Bees makes the move much easier to hide, as the design blends the edge of the cards together. When you perform it correctly, you can deal cards rapidly or slowly, and the audience won't notice that the card you're sliding out isn't the one they expect.

What You'll Learn

You will learn the fundamental mechanics of holding back the top card while pulling the card underneath. The lesson focuses on the grip, the pull-out action, and the importance of "covering" the deal at the exact moment the spectator’s eyes follow the card emerging from the deck.

You'll practice the transition where you pretend to take the top card but instead secure it, allowing you to keep a key card—like an Ace or a specific selection—on top of the deck throughout a deal. Mastering the rhythm of this pull is the key to making the deal look natural.

About the Instructor

Julio Ribera is a professional magician and digital creator who has spent years breaking down complex sleights into practical, usable steps. He uses these techniques in his own street and close-up performances to create moments of impossibility for his spectators.

What's Included

• Choosing the right deck to hide the mechanics
• The exact grip needed to hold back the top card
• The pull-out action that hides the sleight in plain sight
• Tips on timing your deal to make it invisible to the eye

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I do this with a standard deck of Bicycles? You can, but borderless decks like Bees make the move much easier to hide. Bicycles have borders that can sometimes give away the motion if your technique isn't perfect.
• Is this good for beginners? This is an intermediate sleight. It requires consistent practice to get the pull-out action smooth and natural.
• Do I need a lot of table space? No, you can perform this while holding the deck in your hands, which makes it perfect for walk-around and close-up settings.