> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.story.sg/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The Magic I Learned to Perform With One Hand - URL: https://www.story.sg/the-magic-i-learned-to-perform-with-one-hand/ - Published: 2026-11-10T15:31:21.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-10T15:31:21.000Z - Author: sam choo "I can’t even shuffle cards smoothly with two hands!" That's something people often tell me after watching me perform magic tricks using only my left hand. Their reactions always make me smile. What they don't see are the countless hours I have spent figuring out how to perform tricks that were originally designed for two hands. My interest in magic began when I was 17. One day, I was watching television when I saw a magician make a toothpick disappear. What amazed me even more was that he showed viewers how to perform the trick. I knew absolutely nothing about magic then, but I was fascinated. The very next day, I bought a deck of playing cards and started experimenting. I began teaching myself simple tricks through the internet and later YouTube. Eventually, a friend introduced me to a magic shop. Every Friday, before going for tuition, I would visit the shop to learn more about magic and buy props. I loved discovering new tricks, but I soon encountered a problem. Most magic tricks were designed to be performed with two hands. Because of my physical disability, I could only use my left hand to perform them. Even the magicians at the shop were unsure whether I could manage certain tricks with one hand. They found it difficult to recommend suitable tricks for me. I could understand their uncertainty. But I was determined to find a way. I began studying how tricks worked and thinking about how I could adapt them. Other magicians had ten fingers to work with. I had five. I had to figure out how to achieve the same effect using a different method. One trick that particularly fascinated me was the "Two-Card Monte" performed by David Blaine. I watched how he switched the cards using both hands. The effect was amazing. I kept asking myself, "How can I create that same effect with just one hand?" It took thought and practice, but eventually I found my own way to perform it. The satisfaction I felt was tremendous. I had taken something designed for two hands and worked out how to do it with one. Of course, learning a trick privately was one thing. Performing it in front of an audience was another. My first performance was at a Residents' Committee event. I remember how nervous I felt standing in front of the residents. My hand trembled. I stuttered when I spoke. I was worried about making mistakes. What if a trick went wrong? What if nobody was impressed? But I continued performing my card tricks. To my relief, the residents were amazed. Despite my nervousness, I had managed to give them a moment of surprise and wonder. That experience encouraged me to keep going. As I began performing more often, I had to push myself to step forward, even when I lacked confidence. Before performances, I would tell myself, "I can do this." There were still moments of doubt. I worried about whether I could execute a trick successfully or amaze the audience. Confidence did not come overnight. It developed gradually as I continued performing. Sometimes, I wondered whether people would give me a chance at all. On one occasion, I told an event organiser that I performed magic using only one hand. I never heard back from them. I cannot say for certain why they did not follow up. But I wondered whether they doubted my abilities because of my disability. It was discouraging. I wanted people to see what I could do before deciding what I was capable of. Over time, I continued developing my skills and performing for different audiences. Today, what I enjoy most about magic is watching people's faces when something unexpected happens right in front of them. That moment when their eyes widen and they say "Wow!" makes all the practice worthwhile. Sometimes, people are amazed simply by watching me handle a deck of cards with one hand. They tell me they struggle to shuffle cards even with two hands. I find those comments amusing because I know how much effort went into learning those movements. For me, magic has become more than a hobby or a performance skill. It has helped me become more confident and taught me to think creatively whenever I encounter a challenge. When I see the word "IMPOSSIBLE", I like to read it as "I'M POSSIBLE". I also have a saying that reflects how I feel about being judged by my disability: "A book may have a damaged cover, but there can still be something remarkable inside." I hope people will remember that when they meet someone with a disability. Every magic trick I have learned to adapt reminds me that there may be another way to accomplish something, even when the usual method does not work for me. And whenever I see that look of amazement on someone's face, I remember the 17-year-old boy who bought his first deck of playing cards after watching a disappearing toothpick on television. He had no idea where that simple curiosity would lead. He just wanted to learn a magic trick. Today, I get to share that magic with others. --- *Told by: Jackie Chionh* *Written by: Sam Choo* *Story Tags: Magic, Disability, Determination* Jackie Chionh is a docent guide, motivational speaker and magician. Website: [www.jackiechionh.com](http://www.jackiechionh.com/?ref=story.sg)