How to Use the False Transfer Sleight of Hand

The false transfer is a sleight of hand technique in which the performer appears to transfer an object from one hand to the other but actually keeps the ball concealed in the original hand. The false transfer is the basis of many close-up magic tricks and is useful for stage magic as well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small ball, coin or other small object

Basic False Transfer

1. Hold the ball between your thumb and fingers. Place the ball in the palm of the other hand and close the hand.

2. Curl the fingers of the original hand around the ball and separate your hands as your other hand closes.

3. Perform a fake incantation or other misdirection technique before opening your empty hand to reveal that the ball isn't in it.

4. Place the ball where you want it to "appear" later in the trick, such as inside a cup or a pocket.

Other False Transfer Techniques

5. Show the ball in the palm of your hand, then as you turn your palm toward you, hold the ball against your palm with your ring finger. Cup your other hand and pretend to drop the ball into it (Finger palm).

6. Hold the ball between the thumb and finger of one hand. Place the thumb of the other hand between the ball and the palm and close the fingers as you drop the ball into your palm (French drop).

7. Hold a coin between your thumb and fingers. Push it over the tips of your fingers so it rests on the back of the fingers and hold it in place with your little finger as you open your hand (Goshmin's pinch).