Sleight of hand

Sleight of hand, also known as prestidigitation ('quick fingers') or legerdemain (pronounced in French, from 'lightness of hand'), is the set of techniques used by a magician (or card sharp) to manipulate small objects such as cards and coins secretly. Sleight of hand is not a branch of magic, but rather, the means used by a magician to achieve various aims. The techniques involved are often difficult, sometimes taking months of practice before they can be performed with proficiency and years to master. Sleight of hand is mostly employed in close-up magic, but it can also be used in stage magic and other areas of magic.

Related Topics:
Magician - Card sharp

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Close-up magic is performed with the audience close to the magician, possibly in physical contact. It usually makes use of everyday items as props, such as cards and coins (see Coin magic). Exponents of close-up magic include Michael Ammar, Jay Sankey, Bill Malone, Jerry Sadowitz, aladin and Ricky Jay.

Related Topics:
Coin magic - Michael Ammar - Jay Sankey - Jerry Sadowitz - Aladin - Ricky Jay

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Some techniques can also be used to cheat in gambling games, to steal, or, in some cases, to claim supernatural powers. For this reason the term frequently carries negative associations of deceit.

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Shamans or medicine men often use sleight of hand to fool persons into believing that their magic is real.

Related Topics:
Shamans - Medicine men - Magic

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