26! by Caleb Wiles

26!

Effect

The trick “26!” involves a seemingly impossible calculation. A standard deck of playing cards is presented. The magician asks a spectator to select any card, memorize it, and return it to the deck. The magician then proceeds to perform a series of cuts and shuffles, culminating in a final cut that reveals the spectator’s chosen card. The effect is a demonstration of a rapid and accurate calculation, resulting in the identification of the selected card.

Full Details

“26!” is based on a specific mathematical principle applied to card manipulation. It relies on a precise sequence of cuts and shuffles designed to maintain the position of the selected card within the deck. The method is rooted in the mathematical concept of “26!” (26 factorial), which represents the product of all positive integers from 1 to 26. The magician utilizes this calculation to determine the card’s position within the deck after each manipulation. The routine is presented as a demonstration of mental calculation, creating a strong illusion of speed and accuracy. Caleb Wiles, as highlighted in the review, considers this trick to be one of the best within the book.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is suitable for magicians with a moderate level of skill in card handling. While the core movements are not overly complex, the precision required to maintain the card’s position throughout the routine demands practice and control. Magicians who enjoy mathematical principles and are comfortable with a methodical approach will likely find this trick particularly rewarding. It’s also a good choice for performers seeking a visually impressive trick that can be incorporated into a variety of routines.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty of “26!” lies primarily in the consistency and accuracy of the cuts and shuffles. Maintaining the selected card’s position requires careful attention to detail and a smooth, controlled technique. The mathematical aspect, while interesting, is not directly involved in the performance itself; it’s a supporting element that enhances the illusion. The reviewer notes that the routines in “High Spots” are “pro-level magic that anyone can do,” suggesting that while the trick requires skill, it’s achievable with dedicated practice. The “ReSwindled” variation, as utilized by Paul Harris, is described as a “certified best variation,” indicating a refined and reliable method.

What Magicians Say

MurphysMagicSupplies notes that “26!” is “many people said was the best trick of the Book.” Caleb Wiles emphasizes the trick’s significance within “High Spots,” describing it as a standout routine. He also highlights the “Crystal Cut,” a reimagining of the Double Undercut, as visually appealing and worthy of inclusion in a performer’s repertoire. The reviewer states that “ReSwindled,” Caleb Wiles’s variation on Paul Harris’s “Reset,” is the “certified best variation” and that Harris himself utilizes this routine.