Tarbell 53: The Thumb Tie

Performers are always looking for something unique to add variety to their shows and The Thumb Tie fits the bill perfectly. It's an unusual piece with strong magic and plenty of room for you to inject your personality and style. In this lesson, Dan teaches you multiple methods and a wide range of presentations.



First, you'll learn Ten Ichi's original (and still baffling) thumb tie with a few of Dan's surprising touches for unexpected fun.

Then, Dan shows you a number of variations for the tying procedure so you'll be able to find one that's perfect for you.

Next, Harlan teaches you how I employ a devious (and slightly dangerous) method from Tarbell himself to defeat a truly secure tying procedure.

Plus, he goes way beyond the standard routine outlined in the original lesson by including modern presentations and methods, starting with a mixture of pickpocketing and escape that's so much easier than it looks. And, don't worry everyone leaves with their own belongings, plus a little something for their trouble.

Then, Dan use common garden variety twist-ties to comically capture a couple, steal one away momentarily, and bring them back closer than ever.

And if that's not big enough, check out this intimidating guillotine escape gone wrong. Who has two thumbs and gets away unscathed? This guy.

And finally, an impromptu, emergency method requires nothing more than a couple of rubberbands to re-create the puzzling penetrations of the original.

So, when you're looking for something different to spice up your show, consider the surprisingly strong Thumb Tie in any one of its memorable variations.