This mini-dictionary of magic terms contains the words on the other
pages that you may not know. If you see a red underlined word in
the definition, click on it, and it will bring you to that word!
They're all arranged alphabetically.
Ditch
To get rid of something without being seen. Often, it's something you've gimmicked and don't want the audience
to see.
Finale
The last part of a trick or show. A magician usually tries to
make this the best part.
Force
Making someone pick a certain card when they think they have a random
choice. A good way to force a card is like this:
1. Put the card you want the person to pick on the bottom of the
deck.
2. Flip through the cards slowly from the top to the bottom, with
your thumb under the deck.
3. Have them tell you when to stop.
4. When they say stop, pull the top cards away, but with your
thumb pull the bottom card with it, so it ends up on bottom of the top
cards.
5. Show that card to the person. They'll think it's the
card they said stop on!
Misdirection
A way of getting the audience to pay attention to something so you can
do a secret move somewhere else.
Palm
To hide something in your hand in such a way that your hand looks empty.
Patter
The things you say while you're doing a magic trick. Sometimes
it is a story, or makes the audience believe something that helps fool
them. A form of misdirection.
Steal
Taking something from where the audience thinks it is without the audience
knowing.
Substitution
To replace something the audience thinks they understand with something
slightly different.
