Why Card Grips Matter
A card grip is the way you hold a deck or packet of cards during a trick. Good grip technique gives you better control while helping your hands look relaxed and natural.
The Mechanics Grip and Biddle Grip are two of the most useful positions in card magic. They are used in card controls, forces, counts, displays and many other sleights.
Practise both grips until you can move between them without looking at your hands.
Mechanics Grip
Hold the deck in your non-dominant hand with your palm facing upward.
Place your first finger along the short outer edge of the deck. Your middle, ring and little fingers rest along one long side.
Your thumb rests gently along the opposite long side, holding the cards securely without squeezing them.
Mechanics Grip Finger Positions
1. First Finger
Rests along the short outer edge and helps prevent the cards from sliding forward.
2. Middle Finger
Supports the long side of the deck and helps guide cards during spreads and turnovers.
3. Ring Finger
Adds support and helps keep the deck squared.
4. Little Finger
Supports the inner corner and can secretly maintain a pinky break.
5. Thumb
Rests along the opposite side and controls cards during dealing, spreading and the Double Lift.
💡 Pro Tip
Keep the deck resting mainly on the fleshy base of your fingers rather than gripping it tightly. A relaxed hand looks more natural and gives you better control.
Biddle Grip
Hold the deck or packet from above with your dominant hand.
Place your thumb along the short edge nearest your body. Your middle and ring fingers rest along the opposite short edge.
Your first finger may rest lightly on top of the packet, while your little finger can support one corner.
When to Use the Biddle Grip
The Biddle Grip is useful when lifting cards from the deck, transferring packets or displaying several cards to the audience.
It also appears in many counts, controls and packet tricks because it allows cards to be taken or released one at a time.
💡 Pro Tip
Avoid pinching the packet too tightly. Use only enough pressure to keep the cards squared and under control.
Mechanics Grip or Biddle Grip?
Mechanics Grip
Best for holding the full deck naturally in one hand.
Commonly used for dealing, spreading, breaks, controls and the Double Lift.
Biddle Grip
Best for holding cards or packets from above.
Commonly used for displays, transfers, counts and packet handling.
Practice Exercise
Hold the deck in Mechanics Grip for several minutes while walking around or speaking. Your hand should remain relaxed.
Transfer the deck into Biddle Grip, then return it to Mechanics Grip. Repeat the movement slowly until it feels natural.
Next, practise lifting half the deck in Biddle Grip and replacing it without disturbing the alignment of the cards.
Common Mistakes
Do not squeeze the deck. Excess pressure makes your movements stiff and can cause cards to buckle.
Keep your fingers close to the edges rather than spreading them widely around the deck.
Avoid staring at your hands. Look at the spectator and treat the grips as ordinary card-handling positions.