Glossary

A reference of common cardistry terms - the vocabulary used across moves, tutorials, and the archive itself. New entries will be added as the archive grows.

Aerial

: Moves that feature a card or packet being thrown/tossed into the air at some point.

Body parts

: Moves that incorporate parts of the body (balancing, catching on body, etc.).

Card bending

: Moves that feature a card being bent.

Card matrix

: Moves that organize multiple isolations into a structured sequence, coordinating several floating/independently-moving cards together.

Card shot

: Moves that feature a single card being shot/flicked through the air.

Cardestroy

: Moves in the “cardestroy” style — deliberately breaking apart the traditional deck shape/formation for dramatic visual effect.

Cardistry

: The performance art of card flourishing.

Cascade

: Moves that feature cards falling/cascading in a flowing stream.

Classic

: Classic, iconic moves widely recognized in the cardistry community.

Co-op

: Moves performed collaboratively by two or more people.

Combo

: Moves that chain multiple techniques or flourishes together into a sequence.

Continuous

: Moves that can be performed indefinitely without needing to reset, flowing in a self-sustaining loop.

Deck flip

: Moves that feature the entire deck being flipped over.

Display

: Moves that include a visual pattern held out for show, rather than being purely transitional.

Dribble

: Moves that feature cards being released in a controlled cascade from one hand to another.

False

: Moves that include a false shuffle/cut — appearing to shuffle or cut the deck while secretly preserving the card order.

Fan

: Moves that involve spreading cards into a fan shape.

Fidget

: Moves with a small, idle quality, often done casually or absent-mindedly, similar to a fidget toy.

Flexibility

: Moves that require flexible hand/finger extension or unconventional, flexible grips.

Fundamental

: Basic, foundational techniques that other moves are built on.

Grip

: Moves that feature a distinctive way of holding the deck/cards.

Integration

: Moves that integrate other objects.

Interactive

: Moves designed to involve audience interaction.

Interlock

: Moves that feature cards or packets being woven/locked together.

Isolation

: Moves that create the illusion of a card visually separating from and moving independently of the hand, as if floating or moving on its own.

Juggling

: Moves that feature cards or packets being tossed and caught, typically in a juggling pattern.

Magic

: Moves used to create a magic effect rather than pure flourishing.

Misc

: Moves that don’t fit into any other specific category.

New deck

: Moves best suited to a new, stiff deck of cards.

One-handed

: Moves that include a portion performed using only one hand.

Packet cut

: Moves that include a cut performed using packets of cards.

Pressure-based

: Moves that rely on finger pressure/tension on the cards at some point.

Rotation

: Moves that feature a rotating motion of the hand(s)/wrist while manipulating cards.

Running

: Moves that can be repeated in sequence, but require resetting (re-squaring or re-gripping a new packet) before each repetition.

Shuffle

: Moves that include a shuffling technique.

Single card

: Moves that feature a moment involving just one card.

Speed

: Moves that emphasize fast execution.

Spin

: Moves that feature a card, packet, or deck spinning around its own axis (e.g. balanced on a finger or in the hand).

Spread

: Moves that involve spreading cards out across a surface or between the hands.

Table

: Moves that involve a table or flat surface at some point.

Twirl

: Moves that feature a card or packet being twirled/rotated in the fingers.

Two-handed

: Moves that include a portion performed using both hands.

Used deck

: Moves best suited to a worn-in, broken-in deck.

XCM

: Xtreme Card Manipulation.