Before performing coin tricks, a magician must be able to conceal the coin. Palming is a method which is used to conceal a small object in the hand. There are two types of palm, the whole palm and the finger palm.
The Whole Hand Palm
In the whole hand palm a coin or small object is cupped in the middle of the palm of the hand. When turning the hand towards an audience the object cannot be seen as it is concealed in the palm. Holding and moving the hand naturally will further conceal the fact that an object is in the hand.
The Finger Palm
The finger palm is more common than the whole hand palm. In this method a coin or object is held by the second and third fingers of the hand, near the fingertips. The fingers lightly cup the object without dropping it. The object can be securely held this way and not seen by an audience. Again it is important to hold and move the hand naturally when performing.
Successful palming of an object takes practice and creativity; an aspiring magician can practice the palm by performing in front of a mirror. If the object can be seen in the hands, then the palm is not successful.
A Magic Coin Trick
This trick with coins can be used to practice palming techniques. Start by holding a coin in the right hand on the tips on the fingers. Show the audience the coin in the fingers of the hand. Place the thumb of the right hand over the coin and mime the act of transferring it to the left hand. Whilst doing so, palm the coin on the fingertips of the right hand. When miming the transfer, close the fingers of the left hand with the right.
Move the right hand to the side of the body. If necessary, put the coin in a pocket. Whilst doing this keep the eyes and head following the left hand as if it had the coin in it. Wave the left hand dramatically and show that there is no coin in there.
The Key to the Trick
The key to this trick is to convince the audience that the coin has been transferred to the left hand from the right. A successful finger palm will create this illusion as will the ability to distract the audience and keep their attention on the left hand.
Palming is a technique that needs much practice and using a mirror to practice the transfer will help with this illusion. Once the technique of palming is mastered, many different appearances and disappearances of objects can be created which will amaze friends and relatives.
Source:
Longe, Bob. The Little Giant Encyclopedia of Magic. New York: Sterling Publishing Inc, 1999.
Leann Richards - I am a writer, a student, a teacher and an historian. My various occupations have included bookkeeper, historian, teacher, tax consultant ...
