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Acan by Daniel Johnson

Created by: Daniel Johnson

Acan, short for Any Card at Any Number, is a classic card magic effect where a spectator freely names any card and any number in the deck, and the card is revealed at that exact position in a shuffled deck. This trick is a staple in close-up and parlour magic, offering a highly interactive and seemingly impossible experience for the audience. The routines discussed, *Fast* and *Iceberg* by Daniel Johnson, provide clean, direct, and gimmick-free methods to perform this effect, with *Fast* using a standard deck and *Iceberg* allowing the effect to be performed with just one card from a small stack.

Key features

  • No gimmicks, rough and smooth, or markings used in *Fast*.

  • Allows for free selection of suit, value, and position in the deck.

  • *Fast* uses a standard deck of cards, fully inspectable.

  • *Iceberg* enables the Acan effect with just one card from a 15-card stack.

  • No math or complex sleight of hand required.

  • Suitable for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and appears genuinely magical.

  • Versatile for various performance settings (close-up, parlour, stage).

  • Minimal setup and easy to learn.

  • Interactive and engaging for the audience.

Cons

  • Requires purchase of specific routines (*Fast* and *Iceberg*).

  • May need practice to perform smoothly in live conditions.

Effect

The Acan (Any Card at Any Number) is a classic card magic effect where a spectator freely names any card and any number in the deck. The magician then reveals that exact card at the chosen position, seemingly defying all odds. The effect is direct, impossible, and leaves audiences stunned.

Full Details

Acan routines vary in method, but the core effect remains the same. Two standout versions are Fast and Iceberg by Daniel Johnson.

  • Fast uses a standard, ungimmicked deck. The spectator freely selects a suit, value, and position in the deck. The magician does not touch the deck until the final reveal, making the effect appear completely hands-off. No math, forces, or sleight of hand are required.
  • Iceberg is a streamlined version using a 15-card stack. A single card from this stack can be carried in a wallet, allowing the magician to perform the Acan effect with minimal setup. Like Fast, it allows free selection of suit, value, and position.

Both methods eliminate the need for gimmicks, rough/smooth cards, or markings, making them highly deceptive and practical for real-world performances.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Acan is ideal for:

  • Card magicians looking for a strong, self-working effect.
  • Performers who want a hands-off, ungimmicked solution.
  • Those who value direct, impossible magic with minimal setup.
  • Magicians performing in close-up or parlour settings.

Difficulty

Both Fast and Iceberg are designed to be easy to perform. No advanced sleight of hand is required, making them accessible to beginners. The focus is on presentation rather than technical skill.

What Magicians Say

  • David (Magic Orthodoxy) calls Fast and Iceberg "the best any card at any number you can buy." He praises their deceptive nature, stating, "There are no equivocate questions... free selection of suit, free selection of value, free selection of where that card is in the deck."
  • John Morton (Alakazam Academy) includes an Acan effect in his lecture, highlighting its practicality for professional performers.

These routines are highly regarded for their clean methods and strong audience impact, making them a valuable addition to any magician's repertoire.

What people are saying about Acan

AlakazamMagicUK says...

I guarantee everybody will go away with at least one or two things that they can put into their set straight away that's always been my goal whenever I've done a lecture and that's my goal right now so if you're a beginner right the way up to a work in Pro there'll be something for you I promise you.

magicorthodoxy says...

This is the best any card at any number you can buy... free selection of suit free selection of value free selection of where that card is in the deck and there's no math and no gimmicks.

Review videos

Tutorial videos