Sleightful logoSleightful

Ace of Spades by Mark Mason, Ed Marlo, Vinny Sagoo, and David Blaine

Created by: Mark Mason, Ed Marlo, Vinny Sagoo, David Blaine

The Ace of Spades trick is a versatile and visually striking card magic routine that can be adapted for various performances, from close-up to stage magic. The trick typically involves the Ace of Spades appearing, disappearing, or transforming in impossible ways, often alongside other Aces or key cards. Spectators witness a series of baffling moves where the Ace of Spades seems to defy logic, such as switching places with other cards, vanishing from one location and reappearing in another, or being predicted with uncanny accuracy. The trick leverages sleight of hand, misdirection, and sometimes gimmicks to create a seamless and mind-blowing experience. Buyers should note that some versions require specific deck setups or gimmicks, while others rely purely on skill and practice.

Key features

  • Versatile for close-up, parlour, or stage magic

  • Can involve sleight of hand or gimmicks

  • Strong visual impact with the Ace of Spades

  • Adaptable to various performance styles

  • Often includes examinable cards for added credibility

Pros

  • Highly visual and engaging

  • Multiple variations and routines available

  • Can be performed with minimal props

  • Strong audience reactions

  • Suitable for beginners to advanced magicians

Cons

  • Some versions require advanced sleight of hand

  • Gimmicked versions may limit examinability

  • Setup can be time-consuming for certain routines

  • Relies heavily on presentation for maximum impact

Effect

The Ace of Spades appears in various surprising ways across different tricks. In some routines, it transforms from another card, while in others, it is revealed as a prediction or appears sandwiched between other cards. The effect is often visual and baffling, leaving spectators questioning how the Ace of Spades could have appeared so unexpectedly.

Full Details

The Ace of Spades is used in multiple magic tricks, each with its own method and presentation. Some key variations include:

  • Transformation Tricks: The Ace of Spades appears after a series of switches, often replacing another card like a King. All cards remain examinable.
  • Prediction Tricks: The Ace of Spades is secretly placed in a specific position in the deck, then revealed as a prediction after a spectator makes a seemingly free choice.
  • Sandwich Tricks: The Ace of Spades is found between two other cards (like the Ace of Clubs) after a spectator selects a card.
  • Vanishing Tricks: The Ace of Spades is one of several Aces that vanish and reappear in a different location.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Ace of Spades is versatile and can be used by magicians of different skill levels:

  • Beginners: Some tricks, like the vanishing Aces routine, are simple to learn and perform.
  • Intermediate Magicians: Prediction-based tricks and sandwich effects require more practice but are highly effective.
  • Advanced Performers: Tricks involving transformations or the Bottom Deal Exchange require sleight-of-hand skill but offer strong visual impact.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty varies depending on the trick:

  • Easy: Tricks like the vanishing Aces or basic prediction setups require minimal sleight-of-hand.
  • Moderate: Sandwich tricks and some transformation effects need smooth handling and misdirection.
  • Advanced: Techniques like the Bottom Deal Exchange or complex switches demand precise finger movements and practice.

What Magicians Say

Magicians highlight different aspects of tricks involving the Ace of Spades:

  • SaturnMagicShop emphasizes the importance of verbal misdirection in transformation tricks, stating, "I was never really talking about the Four Kings, I was actually talking about the heart, the ace of hearts and the ace of diamonds."
  • CardMechanic notes the power of mathematical misdirection in prediction tricks, saying, "The addition of digits is what leads the spectator to believe they are influencing the outcome."
  • ReidFerry focuses on the visual impact of sandwich tricks, explaining, "The spectator-led discovery of the sandwich adds a unique layer of engagement."
  • Ellusionist discusses the psychological effect of the 2-Card Monte, stating, "The trick is most effective when performed on skeptics or those resistant to the idea of magic."

The Ace of Spades remains a powerful and flexible card in magic, offering a range of effects from simple to highly deceptive.

What people are saying about Ace of Spades

CardMechanic says...

The trick relies on a specific deck arrangement and a prediction of 'Ace of Spades' written down beforehand, creating a seemingly impossible outcome.

ellusionist says...

The 2-Card Monte relies on a subtle switch between the Ace of Spades and Ace of Clubs, with misdirection crucial to masking the manipulation.

magicorthodoxy says...

Spin by Vinny Sagoo is a fantastic and fun gimmick for walk-around magic, using a magnetic name tag to reveal the Ace of Spades.

ReidFerry says...

The trick aims to create a moment of apparent mind-reading, where the spectator discovers the sandwich of Aces around their chosen card.

SaturnMagicShop says...

The routine is easily repeatable and adaptable. The cards are fully examinable, and the trick combines clever mechanics with strong presentation.

SeanDevine says...

The Bottom Deal Exchange is a versatile technique popularized by Ed Marlo, perfect for forces, switches, and controls with the Ace of Spades.

Review videos

Tutorial videos