Tabletop SpinningSpinning The Coin Description This section describes various methods for starting a coin spinning on a surface. Two Handed Start Start by placing the bottom edge of a coin on the table. Nowplace an index finger on thetop edge of the coin and hold the coin in place. Flick an edge of the coin with the index finger of the other hand, andthe coin should start spinning on the table. One Finger Start (143k) A more efficient method that uses only one hand. Hold the coin flatwise between the thumb and the middle finger. Place the bottom edge of the coin on the table. Place the index fingeron the top edge of the coin and release the coin with the middle finger and the thumb. Now flick the edge of the coin with the middle finger. There are some disadvantages to this method: You need to rest the base of the coin on the surface onwhich you are spinning it. This can be a problem if the surface isslippery as the coin tends to fall over fairly easily. You can only get the coin spinning anti-clockwise. This canbe overcome by holding the coin with the middle finger and flicking with the index finger butthis is even more awkward. Thumb Start This methods involves holding the coin in twofingers and flicking it with the thumb. Hold the coin flatwise by an edge, between the index and middle fingers. The coin should beextending on the palm side of the hand. Hold the hand with the fingerspointingdown toward the surface on which you want to spin the coin. Flick the coin (on the opposite edge from where you hold it)with the thumb (by flickingoffthe ring finger). The coinshould fly off and land on thesurface spinning. The method is slower and harder to control than the method describedbelow, but it is good because you can get the coin to fly a fair wayfrom yourhand before it lands, without moving the hand. Two Finger Start The problem with the previous methods is thatthey are slow and it is hard tocontrol the resulting motion of the coin.This variation is the best one that I have found. It is fast andprovides goodcontrol. Hold the hand out flat, palm up. Balance thecoin flatwise withits middle over the third phalanx of the middle finger. Now grab the edgesof the coinwith the inner sides of the index and ring fingers. Place the outer edge of the coin on the table (the coinshould be perpendicular to the table with the fingers pointing down)and quicklypull back withthe index finger and pushforwards with the ring finger.The coin should now be spinning. I find this method to be the best. With this method it isalso easier tocontrol the motion of the spinning coin. The only disadvantage withthis methodis that it is harder to get the coin spinning in the oppositedirection. Another good thing about this method is that the spin can begenerated withouthaving a surface to start on. You can toss a coin onto the table from adistance and it will land spinning. You can toss it up and catch it ona book,etc.
