Do the French Drop Trick
Learn and practice the French Drop coin vanish using a coin and clear hand positions, then perform smooth sleight of hand to amaze friends.
Step-by-step guide to do the French Drop trick
Step 1
Sit at a table facing the mirror so you can watch your hands.
Step 2
Place the soft cloth on the table in front of you to catch the coin if it slips.
Step 3
Pick one coin and hold it in your right hand between your thumb and first two fingers so the coin is visible.
Step 4
Tilt your right hand so your palm faces down a little and show the coin to the mirror.
Step 5
Bring your left hand toward the coin as if you will pinch it between your left thumb and index finger.
Step 6
Close your left thumb and index finger as if you have taken the coin, but keep the coin still in your right hand.
Step 7
While the left hand appears to take the coin, relax your right thumb so the coin drops into the base of your right palm.
Step 8
Immediately close your right fingers into a loose fist to hide the coin in your right palm.
Step 9
Slowly open your left hand and show the mirror that the left palm is empty.
Step 10
Move your right hand casually and keep your face and gestures focused on the left hand for misdirection.
Step 11
Practice the whole motion in the mirror until the timing and movement look smooth and relaxed.
Step 12
Perform the French Drop for a friend and surprise them with your vanish.
Step 13
Share a video or photo of your performance on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of the soft cloth or a real coin if we don't have them?
If you don't have a soft cloth, use a folded towel or small cushion to catch the coin, and if you lack a coin use a similarly sized button, token, or poker chip held between your right thumb and first two fingers.
My coin flashes or falls when I try to relax my right thumb — how do I fix that?
If the coin flashes or slips from the base of your right palm when you relax your right thumb, practice the drop slowly in front of the mirror and immediately close your right fingers into a loose fist to hide the coin while keeping your left-hand pinch motion smooth.
How can I adapt the trick for younger or older children?
For younger kids (4–6) use a larger, easy-to-grip token and practice just the right-hand drop while sitting at a table facing the mirror, and for older kids (10+) work on natural misdirection by moving your right hand casually, adding patter, and performing for a friend or recording for DIY.org.
How can we make the French Drop more impressive or personal after we learn it?
To extend and personalize the trick, create a short patter and gestures while you practice the whole motion in the mirror, try a two-coin variation after mastering the single-coin vanish, and decorate the soft cloth or background before sharing your performance on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to do the French Drop trick
How to Do the French Drop | Coin Tricks
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Facts about coin sleight-of-hand
🎩 Magicians often practice the move in front of a mirror so their angles look natural — pros can spend hours perfecting one vanish.
👀 People’s eyes naturally follow motion, so magicians guide attention with a gesture while secretly keeping the coin.
🧠 Repeating the sleight slowly builds muscle memory — many magicians do dozens or hundreds of careful reps before performing.
🪙 The French Drop is a classic coin vanish used by magicians worldwide that depends on palming and misdirection.
🤫 The secret isn't speed but smoothness and timing: a relaxed, confident motion convinces the audience the coin is gone.
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