HOW TO DO THE TABLECLOTH MAGIC TRICK

Don’t be a jerk, it’s only smooth operators who can pull this off

PART OF THE ‘MAGIC' is in set up: make sure your tabletop and your tablecloth are as smooth as they can be – including no hems.

LAY THE CLOTH with a substantial overhang where you plan on pulling, with about half a metre of cloth on the table.

PRACTISE WITH UNBREAKABLE – but heavy – objects first. The heavier your objects, the easier the trick.

GRAB ON TO THE CLOTH with both hands, bunching up the overhanging cloth, and holding it close to but, crucially, below the tabletop. Pull straight down, rather than out, as quick as you can. Ta-da! Hopefully your objects are still in place.

ONCE YOU’VE MASTERED THAT, work towards the full tabletop set up and prepare to impress your audience. Although, shh!, don’t tell anyone how you pulled it off.