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10-Card Find by Gabriel Werlen

Created by: Gabriel Werlen

The **10-Card Find** is a captivating close-up card trick where the performer demonstrates an uncanny ability to identify a spectator's chosen card despite deceptive actions. Here's how it unfolds: A deck is shuffled, and 10 cards are placed face down on the table. The spectator is asked to flip and switch the positions of these cards, then secretly select one and memorize it. They are then instructed to pick another card (the 'lie' card) and falsely claim it as their chosen one. After reshuffling the cards face down, the performer astoundingly reveals the spectator's actual selected card. This trick relies heavily on psychological subtleties and language-based misdirection, making it ideal for mentalists or magicians looking to add a cerebral twist to their card routines. The effect is angle-proof and requires no gimmicks, just a standard deck of cards.

Key features

  • No gimmicks or sleight of hand required—uses psychological principles.

  • Works with any standard deck of cards.

  • Angle-proof and adaptable to close-up or parlour settings.

  • Requires strong performance charisma and command of language.

  • Instant reset for most phases, though some setups may need minor adjustments.

Pros

  • Highly deceptive with minimal setup.

  • Versatile for various performance environments.

  • Relies on language and psychology, making it accessible to performers of all skill levels mechanically.

  • Foolproof method ensures consistency in results.

Cons

  • Requires precise scripting and performance nuance to maximize impact.

  • May not appeal to magicians who prefer physical sleight-heavy tricks.

Effect

The 10-Card Find is a deceptive card routine where the performer demonstrates an uncanny ability to identify a spectator's chosen card despite deliberate deception. The spectator selects a card from a small group of face-down cards, lies about its identity, and shuffles the cards—yet the performer still reveals the correct selection. The effect plays out as a baffling mind-reading demonstration with no suspicious moves or gimmicks.

Full Details

The routine begins with 10 cards placed face down on the table. The spectator is asked to mix them and then secretly look at one card while also selecting a second card to serve as a "lie" card. The spectator is instructed to falsely claim that the lie card is their actual selection. Despite this deception, the performer accurately identifies the true chosen card while all cards remain face down.

The method relies on psychological subtleties rather than sleight of hand, making it accessible to performers who prefer clean, method-free magic. The reset is not instant, requiring some preparation between performances, but the routine is angle-proof and works in close-up or casual settings.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for:

  • Mentalists who want a card-based effect that feels like pure mind-reading.
  • Magicians looking for an impromptu trick that doesn’t rely on gimmicks or complex sleights.
  • Performers comfortable with language-based deception and audience interaction.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

Mechanically, the 10-Card Find is easy to execute—no advanced card handling is required. However, the success of the routine depends on confident presentation and proper scripting. As reviewer Sebastian Toca notes, "It is pretty easy to do mechanically, but it will require performance charisma." The performer must guide the spectator smoothly through the phases to ensure the deception remains undetected.

What Magicians Say

Sebastian Toca, who reviewed Gabriel Werlen’s Penguin Live lecture, praises the 10-Card Find as "fantastic" and highlights its deceptive power: "You ask them to lie about what their card is... and then you’ll be able to determine what their card was while everything is face down on the table." He emphasizes that the method is "based solely on language," making it angle-proof and highly reliable in performance.

The routine is recommended for those who enjoy psychological magic and want a strong, repeatable effect with minimal setup. As Sebastian concludes, the 10-Card Find is "usable material" that can be integrated into a performer’s repertoire with practice.

What people are saying about 10-Card Find

Sebastian Toca says...

The 10-Card Find is fantastic—it’s a brilliant example of language-based magic where the spectator lies about their card, yet you still reveal it flawlessly. The method is so clean, and the impact is huge.

Review videos