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How to Do the String Theory Trick

Magic tricks have the ability to fascinate observers both young and old as they watch something that appears to be physically impossible. The string theory magic trick is a card trick that features a playing card that appears to be floating and spinning in mid-air. As the trick involves a hidden string supporting the card, always be sure that you don't let the audience know the real name of the trick or you'll find your trick fails to impress as intended.

Things You'll Need

Thin string
Tape
Deck of cards

Instructions

- 1
  Secure a piece of string to a stable object on one side of where you will perform the trick, about 12 to 18 inches over the table you will work on.
- 2
  Pull the string tight over the area you will perform the trick, then bend the string at a point it reaches another stable object and secure the bend with tape.
- 3
  Wrap the end of the string around the tight section several times and allow the end of the string to hang down so it just reaches the top card on a deck of cards, with the deck positioned in front of your hip closest to the bend.
- 4
  Tape the end of the string to the center of the top card. This completes the set-up for the trick.
- 5
  Raise the top card in your right hand and hold it high to show the spectators, pulling it above the taut line.
- 6
  Turn the card forward and back a few times, as if showing there is nothing on the card, finishing with the card tilted forward so it is over the string. Grab the card with your second hand as well, as if simply making it easier to display the card, though you are actually causing the string to wrap around the taught line one last time by reaching the second hand in front of the line before grabbing the card.
- 7
  Lower your lead hand and release with your first hand as you bring the card over so it is centered in front of you, until you feel tension begin to pick up in the line.
- 8
  Flick the card as you let it go, causing it to spin in mid air.
- 9
  Pass one hand over the taut line and one under the card, with the top hand as close to the line as possible and the bottom hand the same distance from the card as the top, so as to not cause suspicion. This falsely shows nothing is holding the card up.
- 10
  Pass your hand over the card, slightly lower this time so it is just under the taught line, and hook the end with your fingers, causing the card to move back and forth under your hand as it spins.

Spectator Hobbies