Card Handling Tips for Magic Card Tricks

Most magic card tricks involve sleight of hand, or delft card handling, by the magician. Mastering the sleight of hand takes practice. Although other methods, such as self-working math-based methods, are employed for some card tricks, few magicians can advance their card skills without mastering handling. Tips from experienced magicians and handlers can help.

Sleight of hand is one of the most basic elements of magic. The technique is used to handle cards, coins, audience-provided objects and numerous other elements of a magic trick. To master card handling for magic card tricks, a beginner magician must understand techniques. 

Start Small and Work Up

Beginner tricks are classified for a reason. These card tricks typically do not require much skill or extensive practice. By starting with easy card tricks, new magicians can hone and refine their skills. As skills develop, the magician's hands become more limber and able to perform more complex tricks.

Practice, Practice and Then, Practice Some More

As the wise and famous card manipulator, Edward Victor, once said, "The Rules of the Sleight of Hand Artist are three, and all others are in vain. The first and second are "practice", and the third one is "practice again." The single best tip for magic card tricks is to simply practice. Over and over and over again, a card manipulator practices various tricks, techniques and hand exercises.

Understand Basic Card Sleights

To truly master card handling for magic card tricks, a magician needs more than just memory. Future magicians and card handlers must master specific card sleights, such as the Glide, the False Cut, palming and other similar sleights. These are the basis behind various card tricks.