This switch of a folded playing card, bill or slip of paper, accomplished while apparently removing the item from a paper clip or similar device, has a history of reinvention. Karl Fulves authored the first published description of it in Interlocutor, No. 49, 1988, p. 226. About its history, he wrote: “Origin of the above switch is unknown. I've used it for about 25 years.”

Alexander de Cova developed the same switch, using a clothes pin instead of a paper clip, c. 1985. He recounts his memory of its development in his book Ein Profi packt aus…, 1992.

Jay Sankey also reinvented the switch, which he included in 100% Sankey by Richard Kaufman, 1990, p. 36, under the title of “#*@!”.