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Ace Production by PigCake

Created by: PigCake

The Ace Production is a captivating card trick that plays on the audience's expectations, starting with a series of predictions that seem to go wrong, only to culminate in a surprising reveal of all four Aces. This close-up magic trick combines humor, misdirection, and classic card techniques to create a memorable performance. The routine is designed to appear as a failure initially, engaging the audience with the magician's exaggerated reactions, before delivering a satisfying and unexpected conclusion.

Key features

  • Utilizes a three-way force popularized by Divernon for selecting a card.

  • Incorporates a slip cut and packet switch for secretly positioning the Aces.

  • Relies on acting and misdirection to sell the illusion of a mishap.

  • Simple and accessible, using familiar moves suitable for most card magicians.

  • Great introduction to an Ace routine, with potential for expansion into more complex effects.

Pros

  • Engaging and humorous performance that captivates the audience.

  • Simple setup with three Jacks, an Ace, and a cover card.

  • Uses familiar moves, making it accessible to a wide range of magicians.

  • Versatile, serving as an introduction to more complex Ace routines.

Cons

  • Requires precise timing and misdirection to effectively sell the illusion of failure.

  • May not suit performers who prefer straightforward, serious magic tricks.

Effect

The Ace Production trick creates the illusion of a failed prediction that transforms into a surprising reveal. The magician appears to cut three random cards, which turn out to be Jacks, acting as predictions. A spectator selects a card, seemingly unrelated, but the magician pretends the trick has gone wrong. The climax reveals that all four Aces have magically appeared, turning the apparent failure into a strong magical moment.

Full Details

The routine begins with a setup: three Jacks, an Ace, and a cover card on top of the deck, followed by the remaining Aces face-up. The magician pretends to cut three random cards (the Jacks) and uses a force to make the spectator select the hidden Ace. A slip cut and packet switch secretly position the Aces behind the Jacks. The magician then plays up the "failure" of the predictions before revealing the Aces in a surprising finish.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who enjoy interactive, comedic performances. It works well for those who like sucker effects—tricks where the audience thinks they’ve caught the magician, only to be fooled in the end. It’s also a good introduction to Ace routines, making it useful for beginners and experienced performers alike.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The trick relies on basic card techniques, including a force, slip cut, and packet switch. PigCake mentions that the moves are familiar to most card magicians, making it accessible. The real challenge lies in the acting and misdirection—selling the "failure" convincingly before the final reveal.

What Magicians Say

PigCake describes it as "a simple trick" that uses "moves you already know." He emphasizes the importance of acting, suggesting that playing up the failure makes the reveal stronger. He also warns against performing Ace assemblies jokingly, saying, "I'll find you where you're performing and I'll Goldberg spear you through the Earth." His humorous approach highlights the trick’s entertainment value.

The routine is praised for its deceptive simplicity and strong audience reaction. PigCake calls it "a great way of introducing the Aces" and recommends it for performers who enjoy engaging, interactive magic.

What people are saying about Ace Production

PigCake says...

It's a simple trick, it's a nice way of introducing the Aces to any sort of card routine you might fancy and all using simple moves that I'm sure you already know [...] The routine's strength lies in its deceptive simplicity and the performer's ability to sell the illusion of a mishap.

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