Sleightful21st Century Card Magic by James Swain and Percy Diaconus
Created by: James Swain, Percy Diaconus
Where to buy
 | Magicbox | 21st Century Card Magic by James Swain - Book | £36.96 | 🇬🇧 Shop |
Key features
Inspired by Percy Diaconus’ 'Collector’s' routine
Uses a combination of Flexible Switch, Pharaoh Shuffle, Dribble Shuffle, and Double Lift
Requires precise positioning of the Aces and the selected card
Encourages personal experimentation and variation
Suitable for magicians of varying skill levels
Pros
Visually striking and conceptually elegant
Clear explanations make it accessible to various skill levels
Encourages personal touches and experimentation
Multiple approaches provided for getting into position
Cons
Requires mastery of several card techniques
Precise positioning is crucial, which may be challenging for beginners
Effect
The trick "21st Century Card Magic" features a sandwich plot where a spectator’s selected card appears between two face-up Black Aces. The magician begins by having a card chosen and seemingly lost in the deck. After a series of shuffles and magical gestures, the selected card visually rises to the top, sandwiched between the two Aces. The routine includes moments of surprise, such as an Ace appearing unexpectedly and the gradual reveal of the spectator’s card.
Full Details
The routine is inspired by Percy Diaconis’ "Collector’s" effect from James Swain’s 21st Century Card Magic. It relies on several key techniques:
- Flexible Switch (popularized by Ed Marlo) – A deceptive exchange of cards within a fan.
- Pharaoh Shuffle – Ensures the selected card ends up between the Aces.
- Dribble Shuffle – Creates the illusion of the card sliding into place.
- Double Lift – Used to conceal the true position of the Aces.
The magician must carefully position the Aces and the selected card for the switches to remain undetected. Misdirection and engaging patter enhance the illusion, making the trick appear effortless.
Who Should Consider the Trick
This routine is ideal for intermediate to advanced card magicians familiar with sleight-heavy techniques. Those who enjoy sandwich plots or collector-style effects will appreciate the method. The trick allows for personalization, making it adaptable to different performance styles.
Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform
The trick requires proficiency in several advanced card techniques, including the Flexible Switch and Pharaoh Shuffle. Timing and misdirection play crucial roles in maintaining deception. While not beginner-friendly, the routine offers multiple approaches, allowing performers to choose methods that suit their skill level.
What Magicians Say
SeanDevine, who demonstrated the routine, calls it "brilliant" and praises its visual impact. He emphasizes the importance of experimentation, stating that "sometimes the best things are born out of happy accidents." He also highlights the effectiveness of the dribble shuffle, noting that keeping the cards "sloppy" enhances the magical appearance.
The routine is described as visually striking, with clear explanations making it accessible to varying skill levels. Performers are encouraged to add personal touches to make the trick their own.
What people are saying about 21st Century Card Magic
SeanDevine says...
I was playing around with a collector's routine out of 21st century card magic by James Swain um called Percy collectors by Percy diaconus and I was playing around with maybe way to do with just a single sandwich between two face up cards instead of the four races and something happened and I was like holy that's amazing and so sometimes the best things are born or created out of happy accidents.
Tutorial videos
Falafel Sandwich - TUTORIAL
SeanDevine mentioned this magic trick in this video.