Always Cut the Cards by Larry Jennings

Effect

The trick "Always Cut the Cards" by Larry Jennings is a deceptive and clean ace-cutting routine. The audience sees a borrowed, shuffled deck. The magician and a participant take turns cutting the deck and burying the four aces in the middle. Despite visibly losing the aces in the deck, they mysteriously reappear on top at the end. The effect is straightforward but highly baffling, making it a strong piece of close-up magic.

Full Details

"Always Cut the Cards" is the first trick in The Classic Magic of Larry Jennings. It is designed to work with a borrowed, shuffled deck, requiring no setup. The routine involves alternating cuts between the magician and the participant, with each burying the aces deeper into the deck. Despite the apparent fairness of the cuts, the aces defy logic by returning to the top. The method is simple yet clever, making it easy to perform while maintaining strong audience impact.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who want a reliable, impromptu ace-cutting routine. It suits performers who prefer clean, minimalistic methods with borrowed decks. Since it requires no gimmicks or advanced sleight of hand, it is accessible to beginners but still deceptive enough for experienced magicians. Those who enjoy self-working or semi-automatic tricks will appreciate its efficiency.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level of "Always Cut the Cards" is low to moderate. It does not rely on complex sleights, making it manageable for beginners. However, proper timing and presentation are key to selling the illusion. The trick is mostly self-working, with only basic card handling required. Magicians familiar with standard cuts and shuffles will find it easy to learn and perform.

What Magicians Say

EruditeMagic describes the trick as "an impressive piece of magic" that is "very easy to do." They highlight its cleanliness, noting that it can be performed with a borrowed, shuffled deck. The routine is praised for its deceptive simplicity, making it a strong choice for both casual and professional performances.

The trick’s strength lies in its directness—no elaborate setups or difficult moves, just a clear, baffling effect. As EruditeMagic puts it, "it doesn’t get much more clean than this." This makes it a valuable addition to any magician’s repertoire, especially for those who want a quick, fooling ace routine.