The Removable Thumb Trick
I’m sure you already know this trick. Heck, your grandfather, that goofy uncle from out of town, or some old geezer at the barber shop probably performed it for you a hundred times when you were small. I encourage you to think back and remember the amazement you experienced as a little nipper when you were first shown that confounding little bit of prestidigitation. Don’t you think you should be the person who passes on the wonder of this simple trick to your grandchildren?
This trick has definitely stood the test of time. In addition to giving a whole new meaning to the phrase, “Pull my finger” (let me know if you don’t know that one), it’s been responsible for baffling generation upon generation of children – forever cementing its performer in their minds as one of the first truly cool people they’ve ever known.
For me, that guy was an always-smiling old fellow who collected what I believe I remember was maybe fifty cents for the Wednesday night supper at my church each week. And each week, he never disappointed. Like he’d never, ever shown me before, he’d once again introduce me to the removable thumb trick. I loved it each time. As much as I disliked going to choir after supper, I sure looked forward to seeing that guy pull his thumb off each week.
This trick just may be the fastest, easiest way to impress your grandkids with your mad magic skills without actually having to learn anything difficult, devote years mastering a skill, or spending money on fancy gear to pull this off.
What Makes This Trick So Good For Grandpas
- Absolutely no setup required – All you need are two thumbs. No other props, special tools, secret “gimmicks”, or other paraphernalia. Oh – you’ll want to bring some showmanship to the party, but we’ll cover that momentarily.
- It delivers maximum confusion – Your grandkids won’t know what to think when they first see this trick. They will be completely thrown off balance and will still be looking at your thumbs days later trying to figure out how you make the end of yours come off like that.
- Repeatability – That’s one of the best things about this trick. You can do it over, and over, and over – at a moment’s notice. And get ready grandpa, because if you do it right – and you resist the temptation to tell them how it’s done – you are absolutely going to be requested to perform it “one more time” at every family gathering. The adults in the room may be rolling their eyes, but the little ones will think you are the man.
How to Perform the Removable Thumb Trick
This classic illusion relies on clever hand placement and a bit of acting. In my experience, the angle of your two hands is the biggest key to your success. I definitely recommend practicing this in front of a mirror a few times before attempting to perform it for someone else.
Here’s how you pull it off:
Step-By-Step Instructions: How To Perform The Removable Thumb Trick
To make this easy for you, I’ve taken pictures of myself doing this trick. (Just so you know, this wasn’t super easy to photograph by myself trying to do this. I’ve got a Bluetooth remote control in my right hand for most of these pictures and I’m pressing the tiny red button to take each picture with my little finger. Crazy, huh? It’s amazing what all goes on behind the scenes, right? I think this officially makes you an insider!)
Step 1
This is my left hand. Can you curl your thumb behind your forefinger like this with your left hand? If you can, you are halfway there already.
Step 2
With your forefinger still curled around your thumb, turn your left hand over with your palm facing down, like I’m doing here. At the same time, bend your right thumb back where the tip of it is hidden from someone in front of you as shown in this photo. This is secret stuff here and is important to the trick. Do not let anyone see you doing this part.
Step 3
Now bring the two together, just like I’m doing in this picture. Once you’ve done this part and put both hands together, get the attention of your grandkids. You might say to them, “My thumb is feeling a really loose today – like it’s about to come completely off my hand. Does it look loose to you? It sure feels loose to me…”
Step 4
Wrap the fingers of your left hand over your thumb. Basically, you’re just curling up all the fingers of your left hand around your thumb to cover all that up. Make sense? Continue on with, “I’m sure of it… It’s definitely loose. I can feel it wiggling.”
Step 5
Continue curling up the fingers on your left hand. You’re trying to give the appearance that you’re curling the fingers of your left hand around the completely extended thumb of your right hand. Say, “My whole thumb feels like it’s about to pop right off!”
Step 6
With a bit of exaggeration and straining, quickly pull your left hand away from your right hand. Making a popping noise with your mouth will heighten the effect.
Step 7
Uncurl/open the fingers of your left hand to reveal what appears to be the end of your right thumb. Excitedly exclaim something like “Wow! It came right off!” and make a face like you can’t believe your thumb just came off. Look around at your grandkids to see the expressions on their faces. Notice the angles here. You’re really going to want to practice this part in front of a mirror. If you get the angles wrong, you’ll be able to see the rest of one or both of your thumbs. But get the angles right, and it looks just like this…
Step 8
You also don’t want to stay in Step 7 – the “removed thumb” position for very long. Stay there too long and they’re likely to figure out the secret. As soon as you’re sure everyone’s seen your thumb “removed”, quickly bring your two hands back together just like this. Say something like, “Ahhh. That feels better.”
Step 9
To wrap this trick up, you’ve got to get your hands apart without divulging the secret. The easiest way I know of to transition safely back to both hands apart is to very quickly roll your right hand up, with all the fingers on your right hand going smoothly from a “pointing downward” position to a “pointing toward your grandkids” position, blocking both thumbs. About the time all the fingers on your right hand are pointing in the direction of your grandkids, you’ll find your fingers are blocking both your thumbs. Right at that moment, when both thumbs are blocked, pull both of your hands apart quickly. (Remember at the beginning when I said I was using a tiny remote control to take pictures? I couldn’t perform this move and hang onto the remote control at the same time. Believe me – I tried. So my best advice is to reread what I just wrote and try it yourself in front of a mirror. I think you’ll quickly get the idea!)
How to Really Sell the Illusion
- Sound Effects – A good “pop” noise when you “detach” the thumb goes a long way. You know how to make a “pop” noise, right? I’m assuming you do. Try it when you pull your thumb off. Make it loud. That’ll get everyone’s attention for sure.
- Dramatic Reactions – Look shocked and amazed at your own skill. I mean heck, your thumb just came off, right? Look astounded and everyone around you will be confused right along with you.
- Extend the Magic – Pretend you “accidentally” dropped your thumb and look for it under the couch.
- Fake a Mistake – Make it seem like your thumb got stuck halfway and act worried.
- Wiggle the “detached” thumb for dramatic effect. Bonus points for gasping as if even you are amazed at what just happened.
The Reactions You Can Expect
- Wide-Eyed Wonder – Your grandkids will stare at you like you’re a wizard. (This assumes they’re young. If they’re 15, they’re likely going to be too busy staring at their cell phones to pay any attention to you in the first place. Tweens may roll their eyes, but secretly still wonder how it’s done.)
- Immediate Replication Attempts – Grandkids will try and fail to do it themselves, keeping them entertained for hours. Remember – if you don’t show them how to do it, you’ll have a memorable trick in your arsenal you can use on them for years.
- Mildly Annoyed Parents – Your own adult children will be baffled at how you turned their kids into your biggest fans with such a stupid, simple trick “that everyone already knows how to do”… only you beat them to it.
When to Use the Trick
You’re a doggone grandpa, dude! You can use this trick literally anytime. I think the real question isn’t “when to use it?” but “when not to use it?” The answer is, “Anytime”. That said, here are a few golden opportunities for you to shine:
- Family Gatherings – A surefire way to steal the spotlight from the TV.
- Dinner Table Distractions – Great for calming down a fussy eater.
- Bedtime Delays – “One more time, Grandpa!” means they’re not asleep yet, but at least they’re entertained.
- Bribery – “If you finish your homework, I’ll show you how it’s done… someday.”
The Legacy of the Removable Thumb Trick
This isn’t just a dumb little hand trick—it’s an inheritance. No. It’s legacy. That’s it! A legacy! As grandparents, we all should give intentional thought to the idea of legacy. What exactly will you leave behind when you’re gone? What will everyone remember you for? We want to make sure it’s something outstanding.
Your grandkids will pass this trick down to their own children, claiming it as their own. Your name may not be in any history books, but it will live on in whispered bedtime conversations: “Remember when Grandpa could take off his thumb?”
So, my fellow grandpas, wield your mystical powers wisely, dazzle those grandbabies of yours, and remind the world that you are not just a grandfather—you are a legend.
Go get ’em Grandpa!
