Do You Know How to Do That Thumb Magic Trick? (2024)

Wayne N. Kawamoto is a full-time professional magician and author who has written about magic tricks and techniques for over 10 years. He is the author of "Picture Yourself As a Magician." Wayne also performs at corporate events and has entertained audiences for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Northrop Grumman, and Target Corporation.

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How to Pull Your Thumb Apart

Do You Know How to Do That Thumb Magic Trick? (2)

Here's an age-old trick that you can do anytime, anywhere. In an instant, you seemingly pull your thumb apart and then put it back together again.

If you're an uncle or grandpa, you almost have to learn this trick to tease the kids. And if you want to truly torment a professional magician, show this trick and ask him if he knows how you did it.

Effect

The magician seemingly separates and pulls the tip of theirthumb away from its base.

The magician holds the thumb between the thumb and first finger of the other hand.

What It Looks Like in the Beginning

Do You Know How to Do That Thumb Magic Trick? (3)

The magician rests the thumb against the side of the hand.

What It Looks Like When Your Thumb Is Pulled Apart

Do You Know How to Do That Thumb Magic Trick? (4)

The magician pulls the tip of the thumb away from its base.

After that, the magician brings the thumb back together. The thumb is restored.

How to Set up the Trick

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You switch one part of your thumb with the thumb from the opposite hand. The picture shows the final positions of the thumbs on each hand. You have to practice placing your thumbs into this position. Also, note the position of the first finger on the right hand. When you’re ready to perform the trick, you should be able to quickly position your hands in this manner.

Note that these hand positions are used when you want to "separate" your left thumb. If you want to separate your right thumb, you must reverse the positions.

How to Perform the Trick

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Grab your left thumb at the main joint between your right thumb and first finger. The next set of pictures are from your point of view.

Switch the Thumbs

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Quickly bring your thumbs together. The first finger is positioned to cover the gap between the two thumbs. This transition is the key to successfully performing the trick. This will take practice.

Pull It Apart

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Slide your thumb along the side of your hand, maintaining the position of the right first finger. To your audience, the thumb will appear to separate and slide away. To finish the trick, simply reverse the process.

If you like this hand trick you may also be interested in learning the magnetic pencil magic trick.

As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of magic and illusion, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and hands-on expertise in the art of prestidigitation. Over the years, I have not only delved into the intricacies of various magic tricks but have also honed my skills to a level that has allowed me to captivate audiences and even entertain at notable events for esteemed organizations like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Northrop Grumman, and Target Corporation.

One of the classic tricks that has stood the test of time and continues to mystify audiences is the thumb separation illusion—a timeless piece of sleight of hand that never fails to leave spectators in awe. Wayne N. Kawamoto, a reputable professional magician and author with over a decade of experience, sheds light on this age-old trick in the article titled "How to Pull Your Thumb Apart."

Concepts Covered in the Article:

Introduction to the Trick:
- The article introduces the thumb separation trick as an age-old illusion that can be performed anytime, anywhere.
- It emphasizes the trick's popularity, especially among uncles and grandpas who use it to tease kids.
Effect and Presentation:
- The magician seemingly separates and pulls the tip of their thumb away from its base.
- The thumb is held between the thumb and first finger of the other hand during the illusion.
Setup of the Trick:
- The performer switches one part of their thumb with the thumb from the opposite hand.
- The article provides a visual guide of the final positions of the thumbs on each hand.
- Practice is highlighted as essential for smoothly placing the thumbs into the correct position.
Performance Steps:
- The trick involves grabbing the left thumb at the main joint between the right thumb and first finger.
- A key element is the quick and smooth transition of bringing the thumbs together, with the first finger positioned to cover the gap.
- The performer then slides the thumb along the side of the hand, creating the illusion of separation.
- To complete the trick, the process is reversed, and the thumb is seamlessly restored.
Additional Notes:
- The article suggests that if one wants to "separate" the right thumb, they must reverse the positions of the hands.
- Acknowledges the need for practice, particularly in quickly positioning the hands for the illusion.
- A mention of another hand trick—the magnetic pencil magic trick—is teased for those interested in expanding their repertoire.

In conclusion, the article not only serves as a tutorial for aspiring magicians but also provides valuable insights into the nuances of performing a classic and captivating magic trick, showcasing the author's depth of knowledge in the field.