Most of the greatest magicians and card manipulators who have ever lived have made very good use of the simple pass or classic pass as it’s also known. It is an invaluable and indispensable sleight of hand and although it requires considerable practice to perform it smoothly, it well worth the effort.

How to perform the simple pass (classic pass)

When a spectator has chosen a card, cut the pack and ask the spectator to replace it on the lower portion before you replace the cut section of cards on top of it. As you replace the cards, slip the tip of your left little finger on the card and in between the two packets of cards. It’s important that you hold the outer ends of the pack tightly closed and, to reinforce an air of nonchalance, you riffle the ends of the cards a couple of times. Next, you take the upper portion of cards between the right thumb at the back and the fingers at the outer ends and lift it off. At the same time drop the left thumb under the lower packet and turn it face upwards. Without hesitating, shuffle the cards of the right-hand packet onto the faces of the lower packet. Do this in a relaxed fashion without looking down at your hands – this will help conceal the move.