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Step 1
Experiment holding the cards in different places in your hand. Because everyone's hands vary in size, you may find you have to hold the deck in different ways. Work on a hold and placement that feels comfortable for you. By finding the right hold, you are able to begin adding finesse to fanning card tricks.
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Step 2
Hold the deck in one hand with your thumb on one side, and the four fingers against the back of the cards. Press the thumb against the middle finger so the cards don't fall from your hand. Press too tightly and you won't be able to fan the cards; press too loosely and the cards will slip from your fingers.
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Step 3
Do a classic thumb spread by holding a deck of cards in one hand as described in Step 2, then pushing with your thumb against the deck from right to left. Because the thumb of your other hand is pressing the bottom of the deck against your middle finger, this creates a pivot point which allows the deck to open like a fan in your hand.
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Step 4
Close the fan by pushing against the left side of the fan and pushing it to the right. The cards will push against the side the pointer finger of the hand holding the cards, allowing the fan to close.
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Step 5
Perform a reverse fan in the same manner as the classic thumb spread to add finesse to the fanning card tricks. Make the reverse effect by moving your outstretched fingers to the right as your thumb pushes the cards to the left. Because you hold the fingers extended over the top of the fan, it looks as though the cards are almost opening on their own.
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Step 6
Practice adding finesse to fanning card tricks over and over until it comes naturally to you. As Joe Marshall describes in his video, adding finesse to fanning card tricks takes time and some finger strength (see Resources below).
