Ace Assembly by Ed Marlo, Harry Lorayne, Bill Malone, Bruce Cervon, and Alex Elmslie

Effect

The Ace Assembly trick shows four aces placed into four separate piles of cards. The magician then performs a series of simple actions. Despite being kept apart, the aces all gather together into one single pile. This happens in a way that seems impossible to the audience.

Full details

The Ace Assembly is a classic card magic plot. The basic method involves controlling the aces during the dealing process. Magicians use sleight of hand to secretly move the aces while appearing to deal them fairly into different piles. The trick ends with a surprise when all four aces are found together. Many versions of this trick exist. Some use a borrowed and shuffled deck. Others use specific sequences or spelling procedures to reveal the aces. The routine can be performed quickly for visual impact or as a longer, more interactive piece.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is good for many magicians. Beginners can find simple versions to learn. Intermediate and advanced performers can study complex routines by masters like Ed Marlo and Harry Lorayne. Magicians who perform with a borrowed deck will find methods suited for that. Performers who create content for social media can use fast, visual versions of the ace assembly. Anyone wanting to practice advanced card sleights, like the bottom deal, can use this routine as a training tool.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty changes based on the chosen method. Simple ace assembly routines have a low difficulty. These versions use easy controls and require basic card handling. More advanced routines, like those by Ed Marlo, have a high difficulty. These methods use advanced false shuffles, cuts, and precise sleight of hand. PigCake notes that practicing the ace assembly can help learn the bottom deal. He says using smaller packets of cards in the routine makes the bottom deal technique more manageable. Performing the same move with a full deck is much harder.

What magicians say

Reviewers discuss different approaches to the ace assembly. PigCake analyzes a routine by Ed Marlo. He explains how Marlo used the bottom deal in two clever ways within the routine. PigCake says, "Marlo loved variation, and this routine exemplifies that principle." He suggests the routine is an excellent way to practice the bottom deal.

Profrt compares routines by Harry Lorayne and Ed Marlo. He says Lorayne's method is interactive and audience-tested. It uses a spelling procedure. Marlo's routine is more deceptive and technically impressive. It involves genuinely cutting to the aces. Profrt states both methods are designed for real-world performance with a borrowed deck.

BigBlindMedia shows a version made for social media. This performance is fast and focuses on visual impact. It relies on sleight of hand like controls and palms. The takeaway is a lesson in economy of motion for digital platforms.

AlakazamMagicUK discusses a video series on the trick. It features performances by magicians like Bill Malone and Bruce Cervon. The series looks at the trick's history and offers many variations for all skill levels.