Aaron Shields – Dribble Block Pass

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Since its initial release, the Dribble Block Pass has garnered acclaim from some of the world’s top card magicians.

This technique sparked my exploration into what I call “automatic thinking.” This concept manifests in two ways: first, executing a challenging move through an outward action that triggers the move rather than merely concealing it; second, simplifying complex sleights into a single, cohesive action. I’ve successfully applied this mindset to techniques like the Side Steal, Top Palm, and most recently, the Bottom Deal.

My journey began by observing various interpretations of the Dribble Pass. Many versions aim to merge two actions: dribbling one packet while maneuvering or passing another. Practitioners often rely on the principle that a larger action can mask a smaller one, incorporating body movements or similar gestures. However, this approach often reveals the underlying action instead of concealing it effectively.

When examining the dribble pass without any body movements, the issue of the “missing frame” becomes apparent. This term refers to a disruption in the seamless flow of dribbling cards, akin to removing frames from a film. A noticeable skip occurs because the top packet, which is being passed, isn’t dribbled with the bottom packet; instead, it is pulled down while the other cards are dribbled over it. Given the energy required to dribble a deck, it’s more effective to channel that energy into executing the move rather than merely covering it up.

With these principles in mind, I developed the Dribble Block Pass.

This technique seamlessly retains the bottom few cards of the deck, allowing you to display the bottom card both before and after the pass, thereby enhancing the illusion that nothing has changed. Alternatively, you can maintain a stock at the bottom while controlling additional cards.