How to Light a Book Match With One Hand

Anyone can light a match, but lighting a match with one hand is the one of those ultra-cool gestures. Here's how to execute the move.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use a matchbook with a foldover top. You can find these in many businesses that use matchbooks for advertising purposes, particularly clubs and restaurants. Open the matchbook cover by pushing up on the cover flap until it is loose.

2. Hold the bottom of the matchbook between your thumb and ring or little finger. Make certain the match heads are pointing up.

3. Use your index finger to bend a single match from the front away from the others in the comb. Close the cover behind the single match.

4. Keep the single match connected to the matchbook while bending it over the bottom of the matchbook.

5. Turn the matchbook over and bend the match until it reaches the striking strip on the back. The matchbook is now upside down with the striking strip facing you at the top.

6. Grasp the matchbook between your thumb at the front of the matchbook and the rest of your fingers on the back.

7. Press the match against the striking strip with your thumb. Move it hard and quick across the strip, removing your thumb as soon as you see a spark. Your match is lit.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to close the matchbook cover behind the single match before striking. Also extinguish the match as quickly as possible. Failure to do both can leave you with a fist full of fire.