Do the Lapping Trick
Learn a safe lapping magic trick: hide a coin under a cloth on a table, secretly slide it into your lap, and amaze friends.
Step-by-step guide to do the lapping trick
Step 1
Sit at the table with your chair pulled in so your knees fit under the tabletop.
Step 2
Place the coin on the table about an inch from the edge nearest your lap.
Step 3
Lay the cloth over the coin so the coin is hidden from view.
Step 4
Rest your dominant hand flat on top of the cloth near the coin.
Step 5
Gently push the coin with your fingertips so it slides off the table into your lap.
Step 6
Close your knees slightly to hold the coin safely in your lap.
Step 7
Lift the cloth with your free hand and show the top of the cloth so it looks empty.
Step 8
Practice the slide and the lift slowly three times until the movement feels smooth.
Step 9
Perform the trick for a friend and then reach into your lap to reveal the coin and amaze them.
Step 10
Share your finished trick 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 if we don't have a real coin or a small cloth?
Use a flat button, bottle cap, or poker chip instead of the coin and a handkerchief, napkin, or small tea towel instead of the cloth so you can still place the coin about an inch from the table edge and hide it under the fabric.
The coin won't slide off the table smoothly—what should we try?
Rest your dominant hand flat on the cloth near the coin and practice the slide slowly three times using a gentle fingertip push so the coin glides off the table edge into your lap without tipping or jumping.
How can we change the trick for younger or older children?
For younger kids use a larger, lighter object like a poker chip and have an adult guide the first slides and help close the knees to catch it, while older kids can try a smaller coin, a smaller cloth, or perform the slide with their non‑dominant hand for more challenge.
Any ideas to make the trick more fun or shareable?
Decorate the cloth, add a short patter before you lift it, practice hiding and revealing multiple coins one at a time after the three slow rehearsals, and film your performance to share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to do the lapping trick
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Facts about close-up magic and sleight-of-hand
🪙 Lapping is a classic coin-magic move where a performer secretly drops a coin into their lap while the audience looks at the table.
🎩 Close-up magic is done within arm's reach, so smooth sleight of hand and friendly patter make tricks look effortless.
👀 Misdirection guides people's attention—when you're looking one way, your brain often misses small actions happening somewhere else.
🤹 Dai Vernon, called “The Professor,” taught magicians how natural, everyday moves make coin sleights convincing.
🧸 For safe practice, kids can use a soft cloth and a light prop (like a button or chocolate coin) so tricks are quiet and harmless.
