The Double Lift, when done properly, is one of the most useful weapons in existence for the card magician.  But it must be done properly and correctly, and I think the best way to understand the right method is to describe the way in which it is only too often performed, otherwise murdered.

How often do we see a performer fumble with the top cards in the deck then finally taking hold of two, hold them in an awkward fashion, all the while gripping them very hard, and then push off one card with their thumb and put it in the pack.

A bad double lift will destroy your illusion and credibility. Use it wisely and practice until you can perform it perfectly.

The fact is it looks like the performer appears to be afraid of something; this method of pushing off the single card was entirely different from the way the two cards, supposed to be one only, were taken.

Hence the name the double lift !!

This is completely wrong. If you wish to take two cards as one, and have your audience really believe there is just one card, then your actions must be exactly the same as when you take one card.

This following method fulfills these requirements.

Thanks to Sleight of Hand 101 for sharing this next video which includes a triple lift.

The Double Lift And Triple Lift

The Double Lift Recap

Here is the crux of the double lift.

When you call attention to the top card, you bring the tip of your left thumb against the middle of the side of the two cards and push them out, as one card, over the side of the pack.

Take them between the tips of your right thumb and first finger, firmly but lightly, in an easy manner, then turn them over and place them just above the pack not on it.

While you are talking, and looking at your audience, square the deck with your right hand, and, in so doing, lift the inner ends of the two top cards with the ball of your right thumb, pull them a little to the right, and leave them in that position.

You hold your left fingers so that the card(s) is received between the ball of your thumb on one side, the first joints of your second and third fingers on the other, and the tip of your forefinger resting against the outer end. 

In this way the two cards are squared perfectly and may be shown freely.

Again you take the card(s) by the lower outer corner, between the tips of your right thumb and forefinger, your thumb tip covering the lower index, and turn it (them) face down on the deck. 

Place the card (s) so that it (they) coincide exactly with the top end of the deck, but do not release the grip of your right thumb and finger. 

With a slight upward push of your thumb tip on the face of the lower card, release it and draw the top card away to the right.

Although it has taken some time to explain the action it must be understood that the actual movement takes a second only, and there must be no hesitation.

The card is turned and at once drawn off the pack smoothly, the lower card being left squarely on the top.

In most cases in which this sleight is used the changed card is immediately inserted in the pack. 

The action just described brings the card over the side of the pack, with its back to the audience, so that the insertion in the pack follows quite naturally.

Sometimes, however, it is necessary to place the changed card on the table, or face down on the hand of a spectator. 

To do this, instead of drawing the top card off to the right, as soon as the lower card is released on the top of the pack, you draw your left hand away, your right hand remaining stationary for a moment, then you put the card in the position required.

One very important point should be borne in mind and that is this; whenever you have occasion to turn over the top card to show it to the audience, do it in exactly the same way as when you turn two cards as one.

The perfect way to perform this sleight is to push off two cards as one without first separating them from the other cards with your thumb. This is very difficult, but Mr. Dai Vernon, the famous card expert, not only does it, but is able to push off two, three or four cards, as one, at will.

By these means he apparently places the top card in the middle of the deck three times in quick succession, each time showing it has returned to the top. In his hands this is one of the most amazing feats possible with cards.