Prism

Prism is a modern classic flourish that involves constructing a complex card structure and rotating it around its own axis.

The move is highly versatile, allowing for a wide variety of performances.

Currently, the record for the highest number of layers constructed is 12, held by Hans Lankamp.¹

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Mechanics

There are two ways to prepare the structure for spinning:

• no-cut method – the easiest and least demanding approach. Cards are drawn into the hand to form a triangle, after which packets are placed on the top and bottom. This method is especially useful for larger Prisms.
• cut method – separate the top packet and position it between the index and middle fingers (for example, using a Revolution Cut). Next, separate a larger group of cards from the thumb packet using the middle and little fingers. Then slide the ring finger beneath the newly formed packet to take another group of cards from the thumb packet. Finally, take a small group of cards from the outermost packet and place it beneath the structure to complete the base.

At this stage, the structure should be stable enough to support itself on your hand or another flat surface.

Once you are confident that the structure is stable, place the thumbnail at the center of the bottom packet and the index fingernail of the opposite hand at the center of the top packet. To initiate the spin, use the ring finger of the first hand. The rotation is then maintained by making a smooth circular motion with the wrist or the entire arm. A slight offset from the center of the thumbnail or index fingernail may help maintain a smoother rotation.

Once the rotation has stopped, the structure can be presented in the most display view. Remove the opposite hand, slide the thumb out of the structure while keeping it extended, and present the completed construction on an open palm.

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Variations

Variations differ in the shape of the structure, the number of layered structures, or the ability to perform two independent Prisms simultaneously.²

The most common shape-related variations include:

• A rhombus.³
• An M-shaped Prism (referred to by the creator as "prisM"⁴).
• A tower made of permanently bent cards arranged in an alternating pattern (known as "Prismeme"⁵).

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References

Footnotes

1. Instagram, Hans doing the record-breaking Prism https://www.instagram.com/p/DXUgi-5DKZk/ ↩

2. (0:41 to the end) https://www.reddit.com/r/cardistry/comments/1cojhrk/a_few_fun_prism_variations/ ↩

3. (0:17 to 0:31) https://www.reddit.com/r/cardistry/comments/1cojhrk/a_few_fun_prism_variations/ ↩

4. Instagram story on Andrew's official account (fourth slide): https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17943856048346310/ ↩

5. Andrew's Instagram story (second slide): https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17943856048346310/ ↩