LEARN AT AN EXPERT LEVEL
The thumb trick is a great illusion. I did a deep dive and worked out all the details to make it easy, practical to perform, and look amazing. If done well, the thumb magic trick looks incredible. Here is how to do the thumb trick:
- Show your thumb.
- Smoothly switch out your thumb and move into Starting Position.
- Wiggle your thumb.
- Remove your thumb.
- Put your thumb back on.
- Cleanly switch your thumb back in.
- Display your thumb.
You will learn all the finesses and important points that make this trick look amazing, including performance angles and getting into and out of the trick. You will also learn a version where you remove your finger instead of your thumb.
Removing Your Thumb
I am right handed, if you are left handed switch the hands.
EFFECT: Magician eerily pulls off his thumb and then puts it back on.
SHOW YOUR THUMB
Extend your left thumb in hitchhiking position. As if displaying it, move your thumb around with your right thumb, 1st, and 2nd finger. You want to have your spectator’s attention. In one motion you will move your hands into Starting Position. Just sort of melt into it. Your larger movements cover your smaller movements. This is a smooth real time get ready, simple choreography you should follow every time you do this trick.
LEFT HAND STARTING POSITION
- Palm facing you.
- Fingers straight, together, and pointing right.
- Bend your thumb 90º
- Press your thumb against your hand in line with your 1st finger.
RIGHT HAND STARTING POSITION
- Thumb bent 90º and stretched into your palm.
- 1st and 2nd finger tips pressed around the knuckle of your thumb
- 3rd and 4th fingers extended out of the way.
MOVING INTO STARTING POSITION
- Fit the back of your thumbs together.
- Cover the seam in the front with your right 1st finger.
- Extend your thumb so more is seen.
- Tilt your hands back slightly.
DETACHABLE THUMB TRICK
- Wiggle your thumb
- Keep your thumb against your hand.
- Slide your thumb over an inch.
REATTACHING YOUR THUMB
- Move your thumb back.
- Act as if you are fitting your thumb back on.
THUMB TRICK SWITCH
In a snapping motion extend your left thumb above your right thumb. As if stroking it, move your right thumb, 1st, and 2nd to the right along your left thumb and off it.
IMPORTANT POINTS: This is a highly visual quick trick. Even if someone knows how it is done, if you perform it right, it still looks amazing and will get a great reaction. Most people have never seen this trick done well. They are going to be blown away when you perform it.
PRO TIPS: This is an angle sensitive trick and you need to consider this. I believe you should only perform this trick for 1 person at a time. Work it out so your spectator is standing at 11 o’clock in reference to you. If the conditions aren’t right don’t perform this trick.
The two most important parts of this trick are getting into it and getting out of it. I spent a long time working on this. Spend some time practicing the techniques above so you can do everything smoothly.
Removing Your Finger
EFFECT: Magician eerily pulls off his finger and then puts it back on.
SHOW YOUR FINGER
Start with your left hand in a loose fist. Extend your left 1st finger to the right. Wiggle it with your right thumb, 1st, and 2nd finger. You want to have your spectator’s attention. In one motion you will move your hands into Starting Position. Just sort of melt into it. The larger movements cover your smaller movements. This is a smooth real time get ready, simple choreography you should follow every time you do this trick.
LEFT HAND STARTING POSITION
- Palm facing you.
- Fingers straight, together, and pointing right.
- Bend your 1st finger in as much as possible.
- Keep your 1st in line with your other fingers.
RIGHT HAND STARTING POSITION
- Thumb bent 90º and stretched into your palm.
- 1st and 2nd finger tips pressed around the knuckle of your thumb
- 3rd and 4th fingers extended out of the way.
MOVING INTO STARTING POSITION
- Fit the back of your finger and thumb together.
- Cover the seam in the front with your right 1st finger.
- Extend your thumb so more is seen.
- Tilt your hands back slightly.
FINGER MAGIC TRICK
- Wiggle your thumb.
- Keep your thumb against your hand.
- Slide your thumb over an inch.
REATTACHING YOUR FINGER
- Move your thumb back.
- Act as if you are fitting your finger back on.
FINGER TRICK SWITCH
In a snapping motion extend your left 1st finger above your right thumb. As if stroking it, move your right thumb, 1st, and 2nd to the right along your left finger and off it.
Practice Time
I believe to get good at this trick you will need a couple solid hours of practice. There is nothing here that is hard. Yet you need the repetition of doing it over and over to get used to the moves. Moving into and out of starting position has to be second nature to you, and that can only come from experience. I’ve been playing with this over the past few days and my thumb is a little sore. Soreness is always a good sign.
Performance Pressure
It is a little scary performing a trick for the first time when you are just learning. Especially such a visual trick like this one where people are staring at your hands. Challenge yourself. Try it for a friend or relative. Do it for the guy at Starbucks. Even if they catch you, so what. Shrug it off and tell them you are just working on it and appreciate their feedback. Consider what you did wrong and improve.
Moving Thumb Trick
The Disappearing Thumb Trick, or whatever name you call this trick, definitely leaves an impression. The reason is when done well it is extremely memorable. Take the time to practice the important parts of this trick and you will have a very strong piece of magic in your arsenal.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I have seen magicians perform this trick as a throwaway. They do it almost as a gag. This is unfortunate because the thumb trick is a great piece of magic. I suspect that most magicians have not practiced it enough and have not put in the necessary time. It is easier to act as if it is a joke just in case the moves don’t look good. Don’t do this! Practice this trick until you can perform it flawlessly so you have the confidence to fool people with it.
If you like this trick definitely check out Magic Tricks With Your Hands – Top 10 List. There are a bunch of other great tricks just like this one.
