How to Scale Playing Cards

Scaling cards means to flip one card at a time off the top of the deck and there are several ways to do this. The method explained below is the simplest version of the trick. Mastering the basics is essential to a firm foundation in cards tricks and techniques, so practice the steps below until the technique is smooth and second nature. The directions below assume the right hand is the dominant hand of the individual.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Hold a deck of cards between your right thumb and right middle finger. This means the right thumb is bracing the edge along the shorter outer edge in the bottom left corner and the middle finger is framing the edge on the opposite short edge of the pack. The other fingers are not touching the cards and the cards are face down.

2. Push down and slightly inward with the index finger on the edge of the top card to create a small arch in the center of the card. The index finger begins at the corner closest to the middle finger. The card should move from right to left on the pushed side only and the thumb secures the position by not moving on the opposite edge.

3. Let the index finger push down on the card until it curls moving the edge of the card from the pad of the finger onto the fingernail.

4. Let the card slide off the edge of the fingernail and fly forward. This is the actual move of scaling. The rest of the deck remains firmly in your right hand.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 until the scaling move is smooth and the time between cards very quick.