The French Drop

What You’ll Need

• A coin (Dick prefers a nice, big half-dollar — easier to handle)
• Nimble fingers
• Confidence (Dick always says, “If you believe it disappeared, so will they!”)

The Setup

Hold the coin up between your thumb and forefinger so everyone can see it. Dick likes to say, “Take a good long look, because this is the last time you’ll see it!”

Dick’s Pro Tip

“It’s all about misdirection. While one hand is doing the work, your other hand should be drawing their attention. Dick always looks where he wants the audience to look — never at the hand doing the dirty work!”

The Performance

1. Display the coin — Hold it proudly between thumb and forefinger of your left hand. Dick holds it up high so everyone can get a good look.

2. Reach over with your right hand — Bring your right hand over the coin as if you’re going to grab it. This is the crucial moment.

3. The Drop — As your right hand closes around the coin, secretly let it drop into your left palm. Dick’s left hand does all the work while the right hand pretends to take the coin away.

4. Sell the vanish — Close your right fist and move it away from your body. Meanwhile, quietly let your left hand drop to your side. Dick says, “Act natural — don’t squeeze too hard or they’ll know something’s up.”

5. The reveal — Open your right hand to show it’s empty! Dick likes to blow on his fist first for dramatic effect.

Dick’s Final Thought

“I’ve pulled off the French Drop hundreds of times, and it always gets a gasp. It’s the first trick I teach to anyone who asks Dick for a lesson!”