Ambitious by Victor Zapco

Effect

The Ambitious trick by Victor Zapco is a modern take on the classic Ambitious Card routine. To the audience, it appears as though a signed card repeatedly rises to the top of the deck no matter how many times it is placed in the middle. The magician visibly pushes the card into the center, yet moments later, it is back on top—creating a baffling and impossible moment.

Full Details

This version of the Ambitious Card routine uses a specialized gimmick to achieve the effect. Unlike traditional methods that rely on sleight of hand, this approach simplifies the process while maintaining strong visual impact. The gimmick allows the magician to cleanly show the card in the middle before it instantly returns to the top.

One consideration is that the deck used is not entirely normal—it requires a setup to function. However, the handling is straightforward, and the angles are manageable, especially in performance settings where the deck is held close to the body.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

• Magicians who want a reliable, gimmick-assisted version of the Ambitious Card routine.
• Performers who prefer minimal sleight of hand but still want a strong visual effect.
• Workers who perform in close-up or walkaround settings, as the angles are easily controlled.

Difficulty

The trick is rated as easy to moderate in difficulty. The primary challenge is managing angles, but this is mitigated by keeping the deck close to the body during performance. The gimmick does most of the work, making it accessible even to those with limited card-handling skills.

What Magicians Say

Mark T from Saturn Magic notes that while the trick requires a deck switch to start with a normal deck, the handling is practical for real-world performances. He compares it to Daryl’s Ultimate Ambition but highlights that this version is more streamlined.

He also mentions that while the final deck is not examinable, this is rarely an issue in performance since the gimmick is introduced naturally during the routine. For those concerned about switching decks, he recommends using a deck-switching device for smoother transitions.

Overall, magicians appreciate the strong visual impact and practicality of Ambitious by Victor Zapco, making it a solid choice for performers looking to enhance their card magic repertoire.