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Take a pinch grip at the front of the hat's crown and flick it up and forwards. Turn the hand round so the palm is facing forwards to catch the hat in another pinch grip at the back. After you've got a feel for this try doing it without looking at the hat. Either place it straight back on the head or reverse the process to return it. If you use a bowler hat make sure you take a really firm pinch to crease the top of the hat when removing it, otherwise you'll be left trying to catch the smooth round surface of the back of the hat. Once you've mastered this one it's a trivial task to start by pinching the back of the hat and flicking it to a catch on the front.

Hold the arm out to the side and move the head so that you are looking directly along the arm. Use the neck chop to knock the hat and a let it roll down the arm. Catch it with an inside grip. Raise the arm up and flick the hat back along it. Tuck the chin in beside the shoulder as the hat gets close and it will pop back onto the head. The key to this trick is to move your arm so that the hat is always rolling "downhill".

Place your palm flat on the back of the head for a neck chop and knock the hat upwards with the little finger side of the hand. A few tries and you will see how much force is required to get it to spin 3/4 and land on your foot. You need to flex your foot as much as possible to stop it slipping off.

Hold the hat with the crown to the outside in an outside grip. Bring it across the body, and cross the arms. Flick the hat over and drop it onto the thumb of the catching hand. Uncross the arms. The hat is now held in an outside grip in the other hand, which suggests that the tumble would be a good next move.

Turn your head to the left, then reach over with the right hand to grab the front of the brim (in as close to an inside grip as you can manage). Lift the front of the hat and remove it from the head so it is upside down above the shoulder. Straighten the arm so it ends in an inside grip at arms length. Turn your head to the right so you are looking at the hat, flex the wrist so the hat lies inside the forearm then bend the elbow and replace the hat on the head (with your hand at the back). Repeat on the other side.

Slide the back of the hand up your face to remove the hat with an inside grip. Do a forward tumble as you bow to your audience, and stick the hat back on your head as you stand up.

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