A spectator holds one card against the table while the magician holds another. In an instant, the cards swap places. What makes “Bar None” special is its presentational angle, which removes any confusion about which card is which — an issue that plagues many transpositions. The routine demonstrates of side‑stealing a card to the second position from the top (using the top card as a cover).
In the world of card magic, few sleights are as revered—or as feared—as the Side Steal. It is the ultimate card control: invisible, elegant, and devastatingly effective. Yet, many magicians shy away from it, intimidated by the required finesse and "naturalness." Enter Paul Cummins, a master technician who has spent over three decades refining Ed Marlo’s Deliberate Side Steal. His definitive instructional project, , has long been a staple, and the "repack" (or updated release) continues to be essential viewing for serious cardicians in 2026. paul cummins the side steal declassified repack
: Includes additional routines like "Punken Droker," a topsy-turvy poker routine. Why Practitioners Recommend It A spectator holds one card against the table
"The Side Steal Declassified" is far more than just a tutorial on a single sleight. The teaching is broken down into a logical, easy-to-follow system. The DVD (and now digital download) features a robust menu system that allows you to view performances, full explanations, or even isolate the sleight itself. It also includes multiple camera angles and slow-motion replays to ensure you don't miss a single detail of the finger placement and mechanics. The routine demonstrates of side‑stealing a card to
: He provides specific guidance on audience positioning, noting that the move is often best performed while facing the leftmost spectator to shield the card's exit path. Core Contents and Structure
Perfecting the exact positioning of the receiving hand so there is zero "flash" of the card as it exits the deck. Core Techniques Covered in the Project
This is the "steal" itself. Cummins breaks it into three micro-movements: