Trigger
Master the Foundation of Modern Cardistry
Trigger is one of those moves that defines modern cardistry. It’s a one-handed cut that looks like the cards are dancing around your fingers. Once you get the rhythm down, it becomes a habit you’ll find yourself doing anytime you have a deck in your hand. It’s also the essential building block for more complex sequences like Retrigger.
How Trigger is Taught
Julio Ribera breaks this move down into clear, manageable steps. He starts with the straddle grip and shows you exactly where your index finger needs to land to create the pivot. You'll see the move from multiple angles so you can understand how the packet flips over and how your middle finger pushes it back into place. Julio focuses on the mechanics of the "flip" and the "pivot" so you don't just drop the cards.
Who This Is For
This is an intermediate cardistry move. If you can already do a basic Charlier cut, you’re ready to try this. It requires some finger flexibility and a bit of "knack," especially when you're trying to clear the packet without hitting the rest of the deck. Expect to spend a few days dropping cards before it starts to feel smooth, but once it clicks, it stays with you forever.
About the Instructor
Julio Ribera is a master of making difficult card moves look effortless. With over a million followers, he knows how to explain finger positions in a way that actually makes sense to a student. He doesn't just show you the move; he shows you how to make it look good.
What's Included
- The proper straddle grip setup
- The thumb lift and index finger pivot
- How to use the middle finger to flip the packet
- The "pinch" technique with the pinky for stability
- Tips for squaring the deck one-handed
- Multiple camera angles to see every finger movement
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to learn?
You can understand the mechanics in ten minutes, but making it look smooth usually takes a few days of practice while you're watching TV or hanging out.
What if I have small hands?
Trigger relies more on the pivot point and the index finger’s reach than the overall size of your hand. If you can hold a standard deck in a straddle grip, you can do this move.
Do I need a specific type of cards?
A newer, "slippery" deck helps the packets slide past each other, but any standard deck of playing cards will work fine once you learn the pressure points.
Is this used in magic tricks?
While it's primarily a cardistry flourish, doing a smooth Trigger cut while a spectator is choosing a card shows them you have a high level of skill without you having to say a word.