I was in the magic store the other day and the guy behind the counter spun a card around on his finger just like basketball players do with the ball. He said it wasn't published as far as he was aware of and would not show me it again for fear I would figure it out. Anyone got any tips for spinning it on the index finger?

Not published?? I wonder where I read about it then. I'm pretty sure I read how to do it in one of the (later) card college books.

I think I remember seeing a video of this on Zenneth Kok's website.

Not Published???
Haha. Well, if the card is just spinning on one finger, then I am afraid to say, you need to go to the magic shop and tell the guy not to say what he doesn't know he is talking about.... maybe he was trying to steal it or claim it as his own? Well I have no idea so I won't comment.

Here are a couple sources which might have what you are looking for:
-Look up the 'pirouette' on Page 1022 of
"Card College Volume 4." Have a look and see if this is what the move is.

-If it is not, then maybe it is something original with him, but also do check out Jerry Cestkowski's "Encyclopedia of Card Flourishes" for other ways of spinning cards... it will prove very valuable if you want to learn any! http://www.flourishman.com

Hope this helped! Best of luck in finding what you are looking for,
sincerely,
Doug-the sponge

It's in "Card College" and you can also find it in "Card Finesse 2," called the "Twirl Flourish".

In "Card College" it's called the "Pirouette" I believe.

Forget all those ideas. Why not use thread?

GTXBY33,
Here are a few reasons to not use thread:
-Some people enjoy a challenge and practicing (although the spin is very easy).
-The card spins on your finger, not in midair (although it can easily be spun in midair as well).
-Without thread there is nothing to hide.
-Without thread you can do it anywhere anytime (as long as you have cards.)

No need to say 'forget all those ideas...' because frankly, they are great ideas. If people have a 'forget it' attitude towards magic, then sometimes I wonder why they even do magic.
Anyway. I am not discouraging you to not do magic or anything, I was just a bit surprised by your comment, anyway, it's all good. Whatever works best for you...

-The sponge

Here are some tips, be sure to check the references noted above:

-The card is spun on the second finger, not the index.
-Wet the tip of your finger when you are first learning the move, the balance is something you will learn over time
-Extend your second finger immediately after spinning it with your index finger


Hope this helps.



It's easier to master than using thread and you can use any card at any time.

I slaved with this move for quite some time, without any written material on it. This is how I accomplished it:

Balance the card in exactly the centre on your middle finger.

Pin it to that finger with your thumb, light pressure.

Contact the bottom of the card with the index finger.

Now here is the whole crux of this flourish, you have to push the index forward the tiniest little bit before you pull backward. As you pull backward, let go with the thumb. When it's about to stop spinning, pin it with the thumb again.

It's a knack but really it's pretty simple.

Try using both your index and ring finger to "rev" the card up, with your thumb loosely on top. As the fingers kick the card around, remove them and replace them with your middle finger.

I find using the two finger start, helps balance the card. Also try straightening the middle finger when the card starts to spin so that the card does not catch on the base of the thumb.

Eddy- Have you been watching Darren in JB Magic again?

I saw a video awhile back with someone doing a double lift and spinning 2 cards as one.. it takes a little more wrist action, but it looked nice.. I can do one card easily, and it looks nice when you end a routine with it.. and a big plus.. it's just flat out fun to do..
Spinning 2 cards as one can be difficult.
later
Tom

There used to be a video of it: Here but it apparently is gone now.

It is also on the "Art Of Card Manipulation" series (I think).

No it's not.

That is not the same one I have seen. The "Piddiddle" (spellcheck) is the best. You can spin a card on one finger for a half of an hour if you like. It is continuous.

Thank you,

Yoseph/Kathy

So there is a trick to doing it? It literally looked like he was spinning it on one hand.

Geoff, thanks. I will check out the video
I think I saw this move on one of David Stone's videos.
vinny

Geoff hit the nail right on the head. If you want to see the card spin, check out the site. Great job, Geoff.

Geoff, maybe it's me, but I can't seem to find your video, would you kindly check out the link.

Thanks... Tony

It's not my video... but I checked the link anyway. It works -

I watched the video and I like it. I tried to do the same thing... my index finger just won't make it go...