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10 of Spades by SeanDevine

Created by: SeanDevine

The '10 of Spades' is a close-up card trick that revolves around a spectator's prediction. The magician has a spectator shuffle a deck, select a card face down without looking, and place it on the table. The magician then spreads the cards face down, allowing the spectator to call 'stop' at any point. The magician reveals that if the spectator's chosen card is the 10 of Clubs, the card they stopped on must be the 10 of Spades. The trick can be performed with or without a marked deck, utilizing a self-working control and a Running Crosscut Force inspired by Ed Marlo's Drop Slight. It's a blend of prediction and card magic, emphasizing natural handling and motivation to enhance the effect.

Key features

  • Can be performed with or without a marked deck (Garrett Thomas GT Speed Reader recommended for marked deck version).

  • Utilizes a self-working control and a Running Crosscut Force.

  • Inspired by Ed Marlo's Drop Slight.

  • Emphasizes natural handling and motivation in performance.

  • Encourages the study of magic literature for creative inspiration.

Pros

  • Versatile: can be performed impromptu with or without a marked deck.

  • Engaging effect that involves the spectator directly.

  • Detailed performance tips provided to enhance the trick's effectiveness.

  • Encourages creative thinking and adaptation of magical principles.

Cons

  • Without a marked deck, the trick may appear less clean to the spectator.

  • Requires practice to master the Running Crosscut Force and natural handling.

Effect

The 10 of Spades trick creates a surprising prediction effect. A spectator shuffles the deck and freely selects a card face down without looking. The magician then spreads the cards and asks the spectator to call "stop" at any point. The magician reveals that if the spectator's chosen card is the 10 of Clubs, the card they stopped on must be the 10 of Spades. The trick appears fair and unforced, making the final revelation feel impossible.

Full Details

The 10 of Spades trick combines several techniques to create a convincing prediction effect.

  • Marked Deck (Optional): The trick can be performed using a marked deck (such as the Garrett Thomas GT Speed Reader) to identify the spectator's chosen card. However, it can also be done without one, though the method changes slightly.
  • Self-Working Control: The magician positions the mate of the spectator's card (e.g., the 10 of Spades if the spectator picks the 10 of Clubs) second from the bottom of the deck through casual handling.
  • Running Crosscut Force: Inspired by Ed Marlo’s Drop Slight, this force allows the magician to subtly place the desired card where the spectator stops. The move is disguised within natural card handling.
  • Performance Justification: The magician maintains a relaxed, conversational tone to justify actions like spreading cards or picking them up, making the trick appear impromptu.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Intermediate magicians familiar with forces and controls.
  • Performers who enjoy prediction effects with a clean, fair presentation.
  • Those who like adaptable routines, as it can be done with or without a marked deck.

Difficulty

The 10 of Spades trick requires moderate skill.

  • Marked Deck Version: Easier, as the markings help track the necessary card.
  • Non-Marked Version: More challenging, requiring precise control and force techniques.
  • Key Moves: The Running Crosscut Force and natural handling take practice to perform smoothly.

What Magicians Say

SeanDevine, who developed the routine, emphasizes the importance of studying magic literature for inspiration. He says:

"The best advice I could give somebody who wants to create magic is to read every magic book you can get your hands on... even if you don’t necessarily like the trick, you might find a principle you can apply elsewhere."

He also highlights the value of adapting existing techniques:

"I like the idea of this being so fair at the beginning... using a marked deck is the best solution, but you can also do it impromptu."

The trick’s strength lies in its deceptive simplicity, making it a strong addition to a magician’s repertoire.

What people are saying about 10 of Spades

SeanDevine says...

The best advice that I could give somebody who wants to create Magic is to read every magic book that you can get your hands on [...] even if you don't necessarily like the trick that's being talked about you might come across a little gem or a nugget of gold or an idea or a principle you can apply to different things.

Tutorial videos