How To Force A Card

There are many among us who would claim that forcing a card really isn't magic. While this may be, this "trick" is one of the cornerstones of card tricks and should be mastered by all novice magicians as its helps as you graduate to more complex tricks.

• Shuffle the deck in a normal way; make sure to note the bottom card of the deck before you start the gag. I've noticed that it's easier to do the shuffle that involves holding the deck in one hand and dividing the cards between both sides of the deck. This way, you can notice the bottom without making it too obvious.

• Hold the deck face down in the palm of your left hand. Arrange your fingers so you have all four fingers on the top of the deck and your thumb on the bottom.

• Look your observer in the face and tell him to "say when" as you slowly pull the top cards towards you in small increments.

• When the observer says "stop" (or "when"), slide all the top cards you pull towards you off the deck completely... plus, pull the bottom card of the deck with your thumb. This way, what was once the bottom card of the entire deck, is now the bottom card of the cards you pulled off in front of the observer. You may have to practice a light touch for grabbing the bottom card so as not to make a noticeable "slap" as the cards come together.

• Show the bottom card of the pile of removed cards to the observer. At this point, you can start the drama by closing your eyes, breaking into a chant, placing a hand to your forehead... whatever works for you.

• Then, simply announce the name of the card to the observer.

Learn this trick and many others in The Gag's collection of Books of Magic and Starter and Deluxe Magic Sets.

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