The thumb tip is one of the most utilized and valuable gimmicks in magic but it also wins the title of perhaps its most badly used. However, the thumb tip, despite repeated exposures, can still create miracles when used properly and judiciously.

On this video, you'll see ways to use a thumb tip that you've never dreamed of. Michael Ammar presents a poignant story with just a few coins that your audience will always remember. Richard Osterlind tears open a signed packet of sugar substitute and miraculously restores it while Roger Klause conjures silver coins from thin air with just a borrowed dollar bill. If you think you know the traditional vanishing handkerchief, you're about to be badly fooled by Alexander de Cova and Paul Wilson. Jeff Sheridan offers his versions of two classic thumb tip pieces while Ted Lesley and Dan Harlan demonstrate effects suitable for a stand-up performance. Larger stage tricks like 20th Century Silks and Blendo are turned into powerful close-up effects by Fernando Keops and Steve Dacri and Al Schneider performs a quaint mystery with nothing more than a borrowed dime. Rounding out this set is Paul Diamond with a post-graduate course in thumb tip work with finesses that will vastly improve your own handling of this marvelous tool.

Don't be misled by those who dismiss the thumb tip as "old school." There are a dozen performers and 14 performances and explanations here that provide conclusive evidence that there's still a lot of magical life left in this wonderful utility gimmick.

Michael Ammar
41-cent Miracle

Richard Osterlind
Sweet and Low

Roger Klause
The Miser's Cornucopia

Alexander de Cova
Purse Swindle (Courtesy of Murphy's Magic Inc.)

Ted Lesley
Coin Through Sleeves

Al Schneider
Vanishing Dime

Jeff Sheridan
Cigarette in the Coat

Alexander der Cova
Blank Cheque Transpo (Courtesy of Murphy's Magic Inc)

Fernando Keops
Mini 20th Century

Jeff Sheridan
Vanishing and Reappearing Water

Paul Diamond
Thumb Tip Lecture

Steve Dacri
Mini Blendo

Paul Wilson
Tipless

Dan Harlan
World's Saddest Trick

Running Time Approximately 1 hr 40 min

Thumb Tip Medium (Soft) by Vernet