How can I flip a coin in a manner that appears legitimate yet has a
guaranteed outcome?  (I need a detailed guide -- not just "flip it so
it wobbles and no one can tell it is not actually spinning" but
something that goes through the necessary steps)

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Clarification of Question by mogtm-ga on 20 Apr 2005 20:20 PDT

*NOTE*: using a real, two-sided coin.

I think that the most reliable method would be to use a two-headed or
two-tailed coin (available through places that sell magic tricks).  If
the coin is to be examined before being flipped then some
slight-of-hand will be needed to swap the fair coin for the rigged
coin.

No, I am looking for a way to fake a coin toss using a *real* coin.

Apparently, it's a skill that can be developed, but I couldn't find a
detailed guide.

http://www.stanford.edu/dept/news/pr/2004/diaconis-69.html

When I was a kid, I used to ...

Flip the coin into the air.
When you catch it, feel which side is down.
(Easier if you catch it near your fingertips.)

When you flip it over onto your forearm, either flip it once or twice.

Takes some sensitivity and practice.

And as soon as people catch on,
they'll require that you let the coin fall rather than catching it.
If you feel it with your thumb, they'll catch on sooner.
If you aren't good at the double-flip, they'll catch on sooner.

If you spin a nickle on a flat surface you can make it fall on one
side very easily.  Just make sure you give it a complete spin so the
axis does NOT form a small cirlce when it starts spinning.  If you do
that it will land on one side consictantly.  (the nickle isn't
balanced fairly)

This is no answer, but if you are interested in coin flipping you
should know about Australian "two-up", a traditional military wagering
pasttime.  You can read all about it by searching on  two-up.

Hi Mog,

Smear one side with butter.

Phil