3 Ways To Throw Playing Cards - WikiHow

Home » How To Throw Playing Cards » 3 Ways To Throw Playing Cards - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Throw Playing Cards PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Throwing Frisbee Style 2 Throwing Overhand 3 Using Your Thumb Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles Expert Interview References Article Summary Co-authored by Zach Waldman

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Zach Waldman. Zach Waldman is a Professional Comedy Magician based in Los Angeles, CA. He has over 20 years of experience as an entertainer and performer. He is a comedian, magician, and mentalist, and he customizes his show to be distinct for every audience he performs for. His clients include some of the biggest corporations in the world, including Microsoft, Google, BusinessWeek, Absolut, the L.A. Kings, Anheuser-Busch, and more. He has been a member of the Academy of Magical Arts (AMA) since 2001, and performs regularly at the Academy’s clubhouse, The Magic Castle. For the past 20+ years, Zach has been a mainstay at many other reputable Los Angeles theaters and comedy clubs including the El Portal, the Comedy Store, the Improv, Flappers, and the Laugh Factory. Before moving to L.A., he attended the Player's Workshop of the Second City. He received his degree from the University of Central Florida. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 808,751 times.

Whether you want to channel your inner Gambit, live out a film noir scene, or end a poker game in style, throwing cards is a great little skill to learn. It takes a lot of practice, but learning a few different techniques to see what works best for you will have you throwing accurately in no time. See Step 1 for more information.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Throwing Frisbee Style

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Grip the card correctly. 1 Grip the card correctly. Hold the card parallel to the ground and grip the bottom of the short side of the card on the corner farthest away from you between your index and middle finger, or your middle and ring finger. This is sometimes called "The Ferguson Grip," named after a famous card player.[1] Alternate finger grips for the basic throw include:
    • For the Thurston grip, place the short side of a card between your middle and index finger so that the side runs parallel with the two fingers all the way through. This is perhaps the most common, if not the most accurate grip on the card.[2]
    • For the Hermann grip, hold the card between your thumb and your middle finger, letting the index finger reach all the way to the opposite corner.
    • For the Ricky Jay grip, place your index finger on a corner and place your thumb on top of the card with your three remaining fingers along the bottom of the long side of the card. Your thumb on top should be right around on top of your middle finger.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Throw Playing Cards 2 Curl the card back into your wrist. The opposite corner of the card (top corner, closest to you) from where you're gripping it should come back and touch the inside of your wrist to cock it for the throw. Most of the power comes from the flick of your wrist, not from arm strength, so it's important to curl it back like this.[3] Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Throw Playing Cards 3 Flick your wrist forward. Unwind, keeping your arm as straight and level as possible relative to the ground to keep the card from wobbling side to side, and snap your wrist forward to throw the card.[4]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Throw Playing Cards 4 Release the card. When your fingertips are pointing at the target you want to hit, let go.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Throw Playing Cards 5 Keep it in the wrist. There should be almost no arm movement whatsoever when you first start out, to get the mechanics of the spin right. To practice, grab a hold of your arm and practice launching the cards with wrist movement alone.[5]
    • After practicing and being able to throw cards without missing, you could try moving your arms for extra speed.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Throw Playing Cards 6 Practice by aiming at a target. Set up a potato or a banana and throw cards at it. Experienced card throwers can stick a playing card into a potato from several paces away. Practice tossing until you can get the corner to stick in firmly.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Throwing Overhand

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Grip the card correctly for an overhand toss. 1 Grip the card correctly for an overhand toss. How you hold the card for an overhand toss is up to you: you can grip by card by the corner, Ferguson style as with the Frisbee toss, or you can hold the entire long side of a card between your middle and ring finger. Experiment some with different grips to see what works best for you.[6]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Throw Playing Cards 2 Curve your wrist and wind your arm up over your shoulder. To get started, don't put your arm into it, but perform the same basic motion as the Frisbee toss, just having rotated your wrist up and down, rather than side-to-side. When you've gotten used to it, bring the card up beside your head to put more power into your tosses. It's all in the wrist.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Throw Playing Cards 3 Snap your wrist forward. In one fast, smooth motion, swing your arm over shoulder and step into throw like throwing a baseball. At the end of that motion, curve your wrist out and spread your middle and ring finger slightly, releasing the card.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Throw Playing Cards 4 Keep practicing. Practice the motion, try to get it as smooth as possible, getting a clean release of the card. Keeping the motion as smooth as possible is the key to getting the card to spin and not cut through the air, rather than floating on it and moving everywhere.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Using Your Thumb

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Hold the entire deck parallel to the ground. 1 Hold the entire deck parallel to the ground. If you want to throw cards straight off the deck, hustler-style, grip the deck firmly with the long side of the cards in the palm of your hand, the short sides perpendicular with your body.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Throw Playing Cards 2 Place your thumb on the top of the deck. It can be helpful to lick your thumb to get a bit of grip on the top card and slide it off more easily.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Throw Playing Cards 3 Snap your thumb forward rapidly, launching the card. It'll take some practice to get the motion firm enough to send the card, but light enough not to launch off the top several cards. Your thumb should come up off the deck slightly, launching them out and away, rather than down. A bit of wetness on the pad of your thumb should help.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Throw Playing Cards 4 Go into rapid fire mode. Once the card is launched, draw thumb back quickly, being careful not to touch the top of the deck, so you can keep shooting off cards like mad. It's fun!
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do you throw playing cards accurately? Zach Waldman Zach Waldman Professional Comedy Magician Zach Waldman is a Professional Comedy Magician based in Los Angeles, CA. He has over 20 years of experience as an entertainer and performer. He is a comedian, magician, and mentalist, and he customizes his show to be distinct for every audience he performs for. His clients include some of the biggest corporations in the world, including Microsoft, Google, BusinessWeek, Absolut, the L.A. Kings, Anheuser-Busch, and more. He has been a member of the Academy of Magical Arts (AMA) since 2001, and performs regularly at the Academy’s clubhouse, The Magic Castle. For the past 20+ years, Zach has been a mainstay at many other reputable Los Angeles theaters and comedy clubs including the El Portal, the Comedy Store, the Improv, Flappers, and the Laugh Factory. Before moving to L.A., he attended the Player's Workshop of the Second City. He received his degree from the University of Central Florida. Zach Waldman Zach Waldman Professional Comedy Magician Expert Answer The definitive guide is a book by Ricky Jay. It is called Cards As Weapons. Ricky Jay was an amazing magician and a great actor. There are all kinds of stunts in the book and plenty of tips on how to throw playing cards. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 20
  • Question Will the card go through a foam plate? Alexis Albright Alexis Albright Community Answer If you throw the card fast enough and hard enough it can. Most likely it will take a lot of time and practice, though. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 24 Helpful 79
  • Question Is there a game that involves throwing cards? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, you can use this skill for playing a game called Horsemen. First, you build a card castle or house. Then, with the help of a single card, you try to takle the castle from a distance. The best part is betting about which floor or which line in the castle of cards will fall and which will remain and throwing the card accordingly. To learn more, watch the film 'Now You See Me'. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 27 Helpful 107
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • You can use a block of Styrofoam for target practice. The cards should stick in that quite nicely. Thanks Helpful 200 Not Helpful 54
  • All spin comes from your wrist, don't use your arm for anything but directing the throw. Thanks Helpful 169 Not Helpful 53
  • Use a brand-new deck with straight cards. Thanks Helpful 116 Not Helpful 41
Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • If you use an old personal info card, make sure to scratch off the numbers, name, and barcode before throwing it, because the card can easily get lost if you throw it outside!
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • The card can get damaged if it hits a hard object such as the edge of a door. Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 2
  • Wear eye protection when having card throwing wars with others. Thanks Helpful 86 Not Helpful 36
  • If you can throw hard enough to knock down light items, make sure and watch out for picture frames or pottery.[7] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • A playing card
  • A clear area with no drywall or breakable items

You Might Also Like

Throw Cards AccuratelyHow toThrow Cards Accurately Throw a FrisbeeHow toThrow a Frisbee Flick a CardHow toFlick a Card Throw a Frisbee ForehandHow toThrow a Frisbee Forehand Throw a Golf DiscTips & Tricks for Throwing a Disc Golf Disc Fan CardsHow toFan Cards Shuffle a Deck of Playing CardsHow to Shuffle a Deck of Cards Do the Waterfall Card FlourishHow toDo the Waterfall Card Flourish Throw a Knife Without It SpinningHow toThrow a Knife Without It Spinning Throw a BaseballHow to Throw a Baseball the Right Way: Step-By-Step Instructions Throw a SpiralHow toThrow a Spiral Throw a KnifeHow toThrow a Knife Learn CardistryHow toLearn Cardistry Riffle and Bridge ShuffleSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing Cards Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about magic tricks, check out our in-depth interview with Zach Waldman.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.goodtricks.net/learn-how-to-throw-cards.html
  2. ↑ https://www.goodtricks.net/learn-how-to-throw-cards.html
  3. ↑ http://www.knifethrowing.info/throwing_cards.html
  4. ↑ http://www.knifethrowing.info/throwing_cards.html
  5. ↑ http://www.knifethrowing.info/throwing_cards.html
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=JRso40gJIqY
  7. ↑ http://www.knifethrowing.info/throwing_cards.html
  8. Videos provided by 52Kards

About This Article

Zach Waldman Co-authored by: Zach Waldman Professional Comedy Magician This article was co-authored by Zach Waldman. Zach Waldman is a Professional Comedy Magician based in Los Angeles, CA. He has over 20 years of experience as an entertainer and performer. He is a comedian, magician, and mentalist, and he customizes his show to be distinct for every audience he performs for. His clients include some of the biggest corporations in the world, including Microsoft, Google, BusinessWeek, Absolut, the L.A. Kings, Anheuser-Busch, and more. He has been a member of the Academy of Magical Arts (AMA) since 2001, and performs regularly at the Academy’s clubhouse, The Magic Castle. For the past 20+ years, Zach has been a mainstay at many other reputable Los Angeles theaters and comedy clubs including the El Portal, the Comedy Store, the Improv, Flappers, and the Laugh Factory. Before moving to L.A., he attended the Player's Workshop of the Second City. He received his degree from the University of Central Florida. This article has been viewed 808,751 times. 180 votes - 82% Co-authors: 59 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 808,751 Categories: Card Decks Article SummaryX

To throw playing cards, start by gripping the long side of a card between your middle and ring finger. Then, curve your wrist down and bring the card up to your shoulder. When you're ready, extend your arm straight out in front of you and snap your wrist. As you snap your wrist, spread your middle and ring finger apart to release the card. To learn how to throw playing cards like a frisbee or using your thumb, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian Portuguese German Russian Indonesian French Dutch Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 808,751 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Jun 2, 2017

    "Amazing, just fantastic. I was left speechless by the awesomeness of this website." Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Zach Waldman Co-authored by: Zach Waldman Professional Comedy Magician Co-authors: 59 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 808,751 82% of readers found this article helpful. 180 votes - 82% Click a star to add your vote Anonymous

Anonymous

Jun 2, 2017

"Amazing, just fantastic. I was left speechless by the awesomeness of this website." Rated this article: Rorschach Santos

Rorschach Santos

Aug 27, 2016

"It helps when your wrist and releasing the card are synchronized in smooth motion." Logan Migneault

Logan Migneault

May 18, 2017

"It was easy to understand and it is only 4 - 5 steps. Holy cow, really simple!" Anonymous

Anonymous

Jul 6, 2016

"The graphics were very useful for learning the throwing motions." Gavin Flood

Gavin Flood

Oct 20, 2022

"Helped me learn a new technique to throw cards." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Am I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake QuizAm I Funny QuizAm I Funny QuizTake QuizAdvanced Roulette GameAdvanced Roulette GamePlayWhat Type of Hands Do I Have QuizWhat Type of Hands Do I Have QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Throw Cards AccuratelyHow toThrow Cards AccuratelyThrow a FrisbeeHow toThrow a FrisbeeFlick a CardHow toFlick a CardThrow a Frisbee ForehandHow toThrow a Frisbee Forehand

Featured Articles

What 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanWhat 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends BetterJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends Better40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & More40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & MoreMake FriendsHow toMake Friends

Trending Articles

Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsHow to Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizWhat Pokémon Am I QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouDo You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?

Featured Articles

The Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupThe Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupAn Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)An Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?From Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male PersonalitiesFrom Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male Personalities

Featured Articles

7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in Minutes7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in Minutes Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHypnotize SomeoneHow toHypnotize SomeoneThe Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try?The Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try? Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesHow to Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesWhistle with Two FingersHow toWhistle with Two Fingers

Watch Articles

Grow Out Your BangsHow toGrow Out Your BangsDress PunkHow toDress PunkEnd a Long Distance RelationshipHow toEnd a Long Distance RelationshipDo E Girl EyelinerHow toDo E Girl EyelinerRespond to the Fire EmojiHow toRespond to the Fire Emoji Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look SmallHow to Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look Small

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Introvert or Extrovert QuizIntrovert or Extrovert QuizWhat JJK Character Am I QuizWhat JJK Character Am I QuizFinish the Lyrics QuizFinish the Lyrics QuizWhat Is My Animagus Form?What Is My Animagus Form?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Quizzes & Games

How Awkward Am I QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizHow Lucky Am I QuizHow Lucky Am I QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizWhich Quidditch Position Would I Play QuizWhich Quidditch Position Would I Play QuizTake QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Hobbies and Crafts
  • Games
  • Card Games
  • Card Decks
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --599

Tag » How To Throw Playing Cards