Deal/flick cards from a deck, with one hand

This is a method of dealing cards by flicking them off the deck with one hand. The hand position necessary for to perform the flourish is very similar to the natural dealing position, so it's easy to flick off a couple cards in the middle of your deal.

Maybe you only have the one hand. Maybe you want to show off. Maybe you're just too cool to deal cards with both hands. Whatever the reason, this is a skill that will elevate your status from card player to master card manipulator. Okay, maybe not. Still, it's fun to do.

(See the youtube video clip)

Step 1: Mechanic's grip

Hold the deck of cards in your hand as if to deal. (Note: instructions are left-handed, but if you want to do this with your right hand, just reverse the directions.)

The thumb rests across or near the upper left corner of the deck. The index finger supports the cards by the top edge of the deck, and the remaining three fingers grip the deck on the right edge.

Experiment with the vertical positioning of the deck. Initially, I tried holding the cards closer to the top edge, so that the lower right corner of the deck stuck out of my hand. I later found that I was able to get more leverage on the cards (later steps) when I held it in a normal mechanic's grip (dealing grip).

Comments

[instructamaker]

Why dont you just use your thumb

[Spycrab]

I might say 'dang, this is tough. are you sure you didn't edit the video with photoshop?', but i saw Adam Savage do it, so i know it's possible :)

[instructamaker]

Mythbusters ROCK

[coolo52]

i love mythbusters

[coolo52]

this is really hard

[the_mad_man]

WOOT FOR LEFTIES!!! I'm left handed as well!

[macman808]

same here

[quartertone]

Actually, I'm right-handed. From what I understand, most card-folk use their "good" hand to handle/manipulate single cards, and their "off" hand to hold the deck. So most lefties prefer to hold the deck in their right hand for that reason. On the other hand (haha), most card manipulation instructions and videos are made by right-handed folk, so the deck tends to be held in the left hand. But either way works! I'm used to holding the deck in my left hand, so that's the reason for the way it is in the video. Thanks for reading/watching!

[In Actuality]

I heard that too. Thanks for this instructable! I showed and wowed my friends with it and can now flick cards up to 15ish feet!

[Mattrox]

Thanks, Bro! Been wanting to learn how to do this for a while and it is not that hard either! Nice instructable.

[NetReaper]

this is so tough

[jamiec53]

Cool instructable!

[lobo_pal]

Great way to deal while playing with two decks, one in each hand.

[iamjoe]

this looks really cool

[darkspinessonic]

thanx i dont think your the first to do this cause ive seen criss angel do something simalar

[Krasen]

The video clip does not work :( When i click play nothing happends. when i click on screen and open youtube says This is a private video. If you have been sent this video, please make sure you accept the sender's friend request. and i culnd do the deal actually

[quartertone]

Oops! Sorry about the video feed. It should work now.