Jan 93 min read

How to Ribbon Spread Cards (Step-by-Step)

Learn how to flawlessly ribbon spread a deck of cards like a magician or card sharp! Let's master it together!

A close-up of playing cards being spread evenly across a table surface with the word "Ribbon" — In this post, we'll cover the Ribbon Spread step-by-step!

Learn the Ribbon Spread

Today, we're focusing on a visually stunning and essential skill for any card magician - the Ribbon Spread.

This impressive technique lays the foundation for many card tricks, card handling and flourishes.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this step-by-step guide will help you master the Ribbon Spread, adding elegance and flair to your card handling.

What is a Card Flourish?

A card flourish is a creative and visual way of handling playing cards, often used in magic and cardistry to showcase skill, dexterity, and artistic expression. It's more about the aesthetic display than a trick.

An evenly spread deck of playing cards being turned over by a single playing card — This is a ribbon spread turnover with a single playing card.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Ribbon Spread Cards

Step 1: Prepare Your Deck

Start with a standard deck of playing cards. Make sure the cards are relatively new and smooth for easier spreading.

A deck of cards resting on the surface of a red magician pad — Always use a new deck of cards when learning the ribbon spread.

Step 2: The Basic Grip

Grip the deck in your dominant hand.

Place the deck between your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other, with your index finger on top.

Magician holding the deck at the corner of a magician pad, preparing to spread the cards — Position your thumb and fingers on the long edge.

Step 3: Starting the Spread

Place the long edge of the deck onto the table or surface and pull the cards.

A deck of playing cards being evenly spread by a magician — Pull the cards in a continuous smooth motion.

Step 4: The Spread Motion

Continue to pull the cards out in a smooth motion.

The movement should be fluid and continuous. You can choose to spread the cards in a long, even line or in an arch.

A magician pointing to a deck of cards evenly spread like a ribbon across the table in front — The action of spreading the cards needs to be fluid.

Here's what the spreading action looks like:

A magician performing the ribbon spread with cards evenly spread across the table — Here's a look from above.

Practice the basic movements until you get a beautiful spread.

Next, let's learn how to close the spread.

Closing the Spread:

To close the spread, use your free hand to gently scoop the cards back together, starting from one end of the spread and moving towards the other.

The magician begins collecting the evenly spread cards — You can either scoop the cards or do a turnover

Adding Flair:

Once you're comfortable with the basic Ribbon Spread, try adding some flair.

The evenly spread playing cards turning over one by one — A turnover is a nice card flourish that can done with your hand or an extra card

You can create waves, curves, or even circular spreads with practice.

The evenly spread cards being turned over one-by-one with a playing card — A ribbon spread turnover with a playing card.

Practicing until a skill becomes muscle memory is the key to learning. Here are some tips to accelerate your efforts.

Tips & Suggestions

A close-up of the evenly ribbon spread cards being turned over — Here are a few tips for learning the ribbon spread.

Here are some important tips and suggestions for mastering the spread:

Card Quality Matters - Use high-quality plastic coated cards like Bicycle or Bee brand. These cards are treated with a resin that prevents them from sticking and clumping.
Surface - If the tabletop or surface is too slippery, you'll have difficulty. Magicians use close-up pads with a felt-like material to provide an optimal condition for card moves and spread.
Maintenance - Keep your cards clean and in good condition. Dirty or damaged cards can hinder your ability to perform a smooth Ribbon Spread.
Practice the Motion - The key to a perfect Ribbon Spread is practice. Repeat the spreading motion until you can do it smoothly and evenly.