Is anyone familliar with the trick where with palms down you hold the middle of a wand or pencil in the crook of the thumbs, and then twist the palms together into praying position with the wand/ pencil still in the crooks of the thumbs now on top of the hands? It appears that your hands pass throught the wand. I am curios to the orgins of this trick. I learned it from a friend in Europe and he was amazed that I didn't know it. It seems that it may be a playground stunt across the pond that never made it over here.
Thank You

I'm not sure of the origins either, but I learned it from a fellow bartender back in the 80's, so it has been around for a while. We'd do it with swizzle sticks too.

I think I saw something like that on a Hampton-Ridge tape. 25 amazing tricks with everyday objects.
It started out in the prayer position but could easily be reversed.

Could anyone post a video so I can see it in action?

I've been doing it for at least 50 years. I was taught it, tho, in the reverse: You start with hands together in prayer position and end up hands down.

I'd love to see a video of this too, I'd also like some instructions/pointer to source.

I learned it from my uncle 30 years ago, and later saw it in print in Harry Blackstone's, "There's One Born Every Minute."

Hi
The effect is called, 'thumbs on top - thumbs on bottom' I beleive, and yes it would good to source some instructions, its a really good impromptu puzzler.
David

My father taught me this as a child, I have never seen anyone who could do it on a bet.


Mike

Thanks for the reference. I actually own that book! I'll definitely look it up tonite.

I think this is what you are looking for: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1_-X7gPjaY

Great video, thanks!

It is in Fulves self working table magic book.

With a bit more practice you can do it continuously. Top to bottom, bottom to top, etc. all in the same direction.