You Can Do It, Too!

THROWING A CARD
Many famous magicians, most notably Herrmann, Thurston, and Raymond, have intrigued audiences throughout the world with their ability as "Scaling" cards to the highest balconies of the largest theaters. How far you can go toward achieving a similar result will depend upon how much practice you are willing to devote to this very impressive flourish.

EFFECT:   Upon concluding his card routine, the magician offers several cards for examination by "Scaling" them across the room to different members of the audience. This is done in a smooth, graceful manner, sending the cards skimming into the air while the audience watches in amazement as they whiz by.

METHOD:
1. Holding the card in the proper "throwing position" is essential in attaining effective results. There are two "correct" positions and you should try them both to see which works best for you. (The other "optional" holding position will be described in the next effect.)
2. To place the card in the first position, clip the very end of the card between the first and second fingers of your right hand as shown. Do not allow the card to "droop," but hold it firmly so that it is level with the fingers at all times.
3. Here is the card held in proper "throwing position" as seen from the spectator's point of view.
4. Start by bending all four fingers inward, until the lower right edge of the card touches the heel of your hand. This is shown from above.
5. In the same movement, bend your wrist inward, toward yourself, as far as it will go.
6. Now, to make the actual throw, snap your wrist "open" AS HARD AS YOU CAN. AT THE SAME TIME, straighten out your fingers and release the card to send it spinning out of your hand.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS:

Keeping the card level with the fingers and maintaining a consistent wrist action are essential factors in developing the "throw,"which can cover a long range once the knack is acquired. When aiming for higher levels, the hand must be kept "on target" and the force of throw increased. Along with accuracy, the practiced performer can propel the cards an impressive distance by combining a throwing motion of the arm with the action of the wrist as a means of gaining still greater distance.

HAVE FUN WITH IT !

Reproduced with permission from Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic
Copyright © 1975, 1981, 1988 by Mark Wilson, Mark Wilson Course in Magic
published by Running Press, Philadelphia and London.