The Effect
A playing card is shown and placed flat on the magician's open palm.
Without visible support, the card slowly rises into the air. It can appear to hover up and down before gently lowering itself back onto the hand.
A pen may be waved above and below the card to make the illusion look even more impossible.
What You’ll Need
🃏 Playing Card
Use an ordinary card in good condition.
🪟 Clear Plastic Strip
Cut a thin, flexible strip from transparent packaging.
✂ Scissors
Use scissors to cut and trim the strip neatly.
🧴 Glue or Clear Tape
Secure the plastic strip firmly to the back of the card.
Before You Begin
Choose a strip that is transparent, flexible and strong enough to bow without creasing.
Clear plastic supports from shirt-collar packaging can work well, although other transparent packaging may also be suitable.
💡 Important
The strip should be nearly invisible and only slightly longer than the card.
Cut the Plastic Strip
Cut a narrow strip from a piece of clear, flexible plastic packaging.
Keep the edges smooth and straight so the strip bends evenly.
Attach the Strip to the Card
Place a small amount of glue in the centre of the strip and secure it lengthwise along the middle of the card's back.
Keep the strip straight and centred.
Leave a Small Overhang
Allow the adhesive to dry completely before handling the card.
The strip should extend about one millimetre beyond each short end of the card. These tiny overhangs provide the secret grip.
Place the Card on Your Palm
Briefly show the card, then rest it flat on your open palm.
Secretly grip one end of the strip with the fleshy base of your thumb and the other with the heel of your hand near the fingers.
Make the Card Rise
Gently curl your fingers and apply light pressure to both ends of the strip.
The plastic bows into an arch, lifting the attached card above your palm.
Small squeezing movements can make the card appear to hover up and down.
Prove There Are No Strings
Wave a pen above and below the card to suggest that nothing is supporting it.
Keep the movement slow and avoid touching the plastic strip.
Lower the Card
Slowly relax the pressure in your hand.
As the plastic strip flattens, the card appears to float gently back down onto your palm.
Watch the Tutorial
Performance Tips
👀 Watch Your Angles
Practise in front of a mirror so the plastic strip remains hidden.
🖐 Use Light Pressure
Squeeze gently. Too much pressure can make the movement look mechanical.
🐢 Move Slowly
A slow rise and descent looks more mysterious than a sudden movement.
🖊 Add a Pen Display
Passing a pen above and below the card strengthens the illusion.
Common Mistakes
Using plastic that is too thick prevents the strip from bending smoothly.
Leaving too much plastic beyond the ends of the card makes the gimmick visible.
Applying too much glue can create marks or reflections on the back of the card.
Performing from the side can expose the strip, so keep spectators mainly in front.
Practice Plan
First, practise gripping the two ends of the strip without looking at your hand.
Next, work on making the card rise and fall in one smooth movement.
Add the pen display only after the basic levitation is reliable.
Finally, rehearse the complete routine in front of a mirror from the audience's view.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of plastic works best?
Use a thin, transparent and flexible strip cut from clear packaging.
Why must the strip extend beyond the card?
The small overhang lets your hand grip and bend the strip without touching the visible face of the card.
Can I use clear tape instead of glue?
Yes, provided the tape lies flat and does not make the gimmick visible.
Is the trick angle-sensitive?
Yes. Keep spectators in front of you and practise the handling in a mirror.