2. THE OBLIQUE PALM
This method marks the first great stride forward in modem coin manipulation. Invented by T. Nelson Downs and first used by him publicly in 1895, it has become indispensable in coin conjuring. The new grip is easily acquired once the regular flat palm has been mastered.
In the oblique palm the coin is held at an angle of about 45 degrees, the free end directed toward the tips of the fingers (Fig. 3).
The best and quickest way to learn this palm is to put the coin in the oblique position in the palm with the other hand and learn to hold it there by the contraction of the muscles of the palm only. As soon as you are able to hold it securely in this position, the next step is to learn how to produce the coin thus held, at the tips of the fingers. To do this bend the fingers, place the nail of the second finger against the thumb side of the coin and the top joint of the third finger on the other side, thus gripping the coin between the top joints of these two fingers (Fig. 4); then stretch them out and carry the coin away. Place the tip of the thumb below the coin and slide it to the tip of the first finger.
When this movement of lifting the coin from the oblique palm to the tips of the forefinger and thumb can be done easily and surely, the reverse action— that is to say, the placing of the coin in the oblique palm—must be learned. To do this, hold the coin between the tips of the thumb and first finger, bend the top joint of the second finger, and place its nail against the coin on the thumb side and touching the thumb; then place the third finger behind the coin, gripping it against the nail of the second finger, and release the thumb. Bend these fingers and place the coin in the oblique palm. Note particularly that the tip of the third finger must be behind the tip of the second finger and not parallel with it. Contract the muscles of the palm to grip the coin and immediately extend the fingers.
Do not attempt to make the moves rapidly at first; execute them slowly and correctly until the fingers become accustomed to them. The necessary speed will come with practice.
These two methods of palming are the only difficult moves to be learned.
Once they are mastered the other sleights will be found comparatively easy.
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