Recently a magician friend posted a performance video online that used the Pass in a visual way. By visual way, I mean the selection was placed face up in the middle of the deck and visually arrived on top. I posted a comment along with the video you see below.
I commented, “As I begin to type this it occurs to me I’ve been doing the Pass nearly 40 years … While rocking the wrist isn’t bad, I don’t think it is preferred for a *visual* goal. When you rock the wrist on a visible pass revelation, you are taking the top out of the deck out of view for a moment– the opposite of what you’d want for a visible revelation.
If you want to showcase the appearance, it’s preferred to let the top be seen, do the Pass, and the selection appears.
I shot a quick video of a Riffle Pass. This isn’t as good as I used to do it.
It illustrates the point about letting the top of the deck be seen.
Now here’s what surprised me:
In the day since posting that comment and five second video, I received many messages asking for pass tips, instruction, etc. Yes, I have put in some road miles with the Pass. Put in the miles, you’ll get there, too.
Best,
Doc Dixon
PS: UPDATE AUGUST 2026
I’ve released The THIS Routines. In the teaching video I’m taking a deep dive into pass instruction. This will not only improve these routines, but a well done pass is like a universal magic wand (pun very intended) in that it can benefit nearly all of your card magic. 