How to Remove Your Thumb Magic Trick – Full Instructions
The thumb trick is an amazing magic trick. Many magicians know how this trick is done, yet most don’t do it well.
I did a deep dive and worked out all the details, so it’s easy to learn and perform.
Here you will learn everything you need to know to perform the “remove your thumb magic trick,” including all the finesses, performance angles, and getting into and out of it.
I am right handed. If you are a lefty switch hands.
How to Do the Thumb Trick
Magician slides off his/her thumb, and then puts it back on.
Getting Into Position
Extend your left thumb in hitchhiking position. Grip the tip of your left thumb with your right thumb, 1st, and 2nd finger. Do not hesitate, go right into the Main Starting Position. The larger movement covers the smaller movement.
Right Hand Position
Bend your thumb at the joint and extend it into your palm. Place the tips of your 1st and 2nd fingers onto the knuckle of your thumb. Extend your 3rd and 4th fingers in the air.
Left Hand Position
Palm toward you, fingers together pointing right. Bend your thumb as much as you can at the knuckle and press it against your hand.
Main Starting Position
Press your thumbs together, cover the seam with your right 1st and 2nd fingers, and extend your right thumb so more is seen.
Moving Your Thumb
Wiggle your thumb. Slide it along your 1st finger about an inch. Move it back. Act as you are fitting it back on. Use a little acting here.
Getting Out of It
Rotate your left hand palm outward and fully extend your left thumb. Grip your left thumb with your right 1st and 2nd finger above, thumb below, and gently massage it as if you just put it back on.
Pro Tips
- Wiggle your thumb while you move it to give a nice illusion.
- Keep your thumb against the side of your left 1st finger as you slide it.
- Only move your thumb an inch or so.
- Tilt your hands back a little bit.
- Have your spectators in front of you with a tiny bit of distance.
This is an angle sensitive trick, you need to be aware of this. I believe you should only perform this trick for 1 or 2 people at a time, with them standing at 11 o’clock in reference to you. If the conditions aren’t right don’t perform the trick.
The most important parts of this trick are getting into it and getting out of it. Spend an hour practicing the techniques above so you can perform it smoothly.
This is not a difficult trick, yet you need the repetition of doing it over and over to get used to the moves.
Moving into and out of starting position has to be second nature to you, and that can only come from experience. I’ve been playing with this over the past few days and my thumb is a little sore, which is a good sign.
Learn how to remove your finger instead of your thumb: Best Hand Tricks – Magic Tricks With Hands
Performance Pressure
It is a little scary performing a trick for the first time when you are just learning. Especially such a visual trick like this one where people are staring at your hands.
Challenge yourself. Try it for a friend or relative. Do it for the guy at Starbucks. Even if they catch you, so what. Shrug it off and tell them you are just working on it and appreciate their feedback. Consider what you did wrong and improve.
Thumb Trick Summary
- Show your thumb.
- Smoothly switch out your thumb and move into Starting Position.
- Wiggle your thumb.
- Remove your thumb.
- Put your thumb back on.
- Cleanly switch your thumb back in.
- Rub your thumb.
Disappearing Thumb Trick
I’ve heard this trick called the disappearing thumb trick. Your thumb doesn’t actually disappear, it only moves. Whatever you call it, the thumb trick definitely leaves an impression.
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Conclusion
When done well, the thumb trick is extremely memorable. Take the time to practice this trick and you will have a very strong piece of magic, ready to go anytime.
I have seen magicians perform this trick as a throwaway. They do it almost as a gag. This is unfortunate because the thumb magic trick is a great piece of magic.
I suspect that most magicians have not practiced it enough and have not put in the necessary time. It is easier to act as if it is a joke, just in case it does not look good.
Don’t do this! Practice until you can perform it flawlessly so you have the confidence to fool people with it.
