How to Do the Easy Thumb Magic Trick

By
Wayne Kawamoto
Wayne-Kawamoto-about02.jpg
Wayne Kawamoto

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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Updated on 07/06/20

How to Pull Your Thumb Apart

How to position your hands to pull apart your thumb
The Spruce / Wayne Kawamoto

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 their thumb 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

Hiding your thumb for a magic trick
The Spruce / Wayne Kawamoto

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

What It Looks Like When Your Thumb Is Pulled Apart

Putting your thumb back in place for the trick
The Spruce / Wayne Kawamoto

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

How to set up your hands for the thumb magic trick
The Spruce / Wayne Kawamoto

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

Getting your thumb in place
The Spruce / Wayne Kawamoto

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

switch your thumbs
The Spruce / Wayne Kawamoto

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

pull your thumb apart
The Spruce / Wayne Kawamoto

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.