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Ambitious Card

Ambitious Card is a classic close-up card magic routine where a spectator selects and signs a card, which is then lost in the deck. Despite being placed in the middle or bottom, the card repeatedly and impossibly rises to the top of the deck, often culminating in a surprising finale such as appearing in a wallet, box, or other impossible location. This trick is a staple for card magicians, suitable for walk-around, parlour, and close-up performances, and can be adapted with various phases and presentations to build suspense and engagement. Buyers should note that many versions rely on sleight of hand, but gimmicked or self-working variations are also available, making it accessible to different skill levels.

Where to buy

Ambitious Card by Daryl video DOWNLOAD from Alakazam Magic
Alakazam MagicAmbitious Card by Daryl video DOWNLOAD£30.46
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Ambitious Card by Daryl video DOWNLOAD from Magicbox
MagicboxAmbitious Card by Daryl video DOWNLOAD£31.04
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Key features

  • Classic card magic plot with high audience appeal

  • Versatile for close-up, walk-around, and parlour settings

  • Can be performed with a regular deck or specialized gimmicks

  • Allows for creative presentation and multiple phases

  • Suitable for beginners to advanced magicians depending on the method

Pros

  • Strong visual impact and spectator engagement

  • Highly customizable with many variations and endings

  • Builds suspense through repetition

  • Works well as an icebreaker or part of a longer set

  • Can be combined with other effects like card to wallet or box reveals

Cons

  • Some methods require advanced sleight of hand practice

  • Overfamiliarity may reduce surprise for seasoned audiences

  • Angles can be sensitive in certain handlings

  • May need reset time between performances in some versions

Effect

The Ambitious Card is a classic card trick. A spectator selects a card and signs it. The magician then places the card into the middle of the deck. Despite this, the card repeatedly and impossibly rises to the top. The effect can end with the signed card appearing in a surprising location, like a wallet or a box.

Full details

The Ambitious Card is a foundational plot in card magic. The core method involves controlling a selected card to the top of the deck after it has been apparently lost in the middle. Performers use various techniques to achieve this, such as the double lift, the pass, and other card controls. The routine is typically built in phases, each one escalating the impossibility. A common finale involves the spectator's signed card appearing in an impossible location, transforming the trick into a card-to-impossible-location effect. Many modern versions focus on creating a completely clean and examinable routine with no sleight of hand.

Who should consider the trick

The Ambitious Card is suitable for almost all magicians. Beginners can learn self-working versions that require no advanced skill. Intermediate and advanced card workers use it as a framework to showcase their sleight of hand and presentation skills. It is a versatile trick for close-up, walk-around, and even parlor settings. Magicians who perform for all ages will find it effective.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty varies widely. There are self-working versions that beginners can perform immediately. More advanced routines require practice with fundamental card sleights like the double lift, the pass, and various controls. Reviewer David from Magic Orthodoxy notes that some ambitious card routines are classified as intermediate due to the number of manipulations involved. The key to a strong performance is not just the technique, but also the presentation and pacing of the phases.

What magicians say

Magicians consistently praise the Ambitious Card for its direct impact and versatility. In a review, Steve Gore lists it as one of his eight desert island tricks, calling it his "go-to icebreaker" for strolling sets. He suggests incorporating a gag partway through to release audience tension.

Craig Petty, in a Q&A, discussed the number of phases in an Ambitious Card routine, emphasizing that phases should build interest.

Reviewer David from Magic Orthodoxy, when reviewing the "Open Predictions" project, noted that the routines are reliable and likely to succeed, with minimal setup and forgiving angles.

PigCake created a tutorial for a routine designed to provide a natural context for practicing the top change, a move often used in ambitious card sequences.

Cavan Booth performed the Ambitious Card at a wedding in Italy, highlighting its place in a professional walk-around set.

Chris Mayhew reframes the classic trick using the concept of déjà vu to make it more psychologically engaging for the audience.

The trick remains a staple because, as one performance summary noted, "its direct method of presentation creates a powerful and easily understood miracle."

What people are saying about Ambitious Card

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The trick utilizes a unique gimmick – a special revelation card and 50 giveaway cards, allowing performers to immediately start using the effect. The video emphasizes the trick’s relatability due to the widespread familiarity of the Magic 8 Ball toy, making it accessible to audiences of all ages.

BigBlindMedia says...

The 4 specially printed cards (on durable USPCC stock) are supplied in a wallet for easy transport. Easy to do. Uses basic sleights. Multiple phases. Lots of magic! No sticky stuff. Packaged in a beautiful faux-hardback book - just right to slip onto your shelf and protect your set of gaff cards!

CardMechanic says...

Performance of the classic Ambitious Card routine with a signed selection. Card repeatedly rises to the top of the deck after being placed in the middle. Focus on clean displays and convincing moments to reinforce the illusion. Builds rhythm and audience engagement through repetition and escalation.

henryharrius says...

Henry Harrius combines the Ambitious Card routine and the Mystery Card Box for a magical experience. The show starts with the Ambitious Card, where a signed card repeatedly jumps to the top of the deck. Then, the Mystery Card Box comes into play, revealing the signed card inside a box that was never touched.

itsallthingsmagic says...

The creator uses a popular song, 'Can't Help Falling in Love,' as a backdrop to a seemingly simple card routine, aiming to evoke a feeling of positivity and connection with the audience. The creator's intention is to offer a moment of joy and connection through magic.

magicorthodoxy says...

Duo consists of two sleight-of-hand techniques designed to enhance an ambitious card routine. Priced at just $6, the 15-minute tutorial teaches: Melt – a visually striking color change where a face-up card visibly transforms as the magician rubs their finger over it.

magic-tv says...

Craig Petty presents three card tricks specifically designed for kids, emphasizing interactive and humorous elements to captivate young audiences. The second, a variation of David Regal's 'Ambitious Card', involves drawing a dog on a card, making it highly engaging for children.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

The routine uses the spectator’s signed card and a borrowed deck, making it highly examinable. The card’s appearance is described as so magical that even the performer will be stunned during demos. Unlike traditional ambitious card plots, Chrono Card eliminates any suspicion of sleight of hand or deck switches.

PigCake says...

Initially, PigCake expresses strong dislike for the concept, finding it unnatural and potentially jarring for an audience. He humorously describes his initial reaction as wanting to 'punch the nearest puppy.' However, after experiencing the trick firsthand and seeing audience reactions, he completely changes his tune.

SankeyMagic says...

Jay Sankey dives into the 'Jumping Card Trick,' where a chosen card keeps returning to the top of the deck. He breaks down the 'Top Change' technique and a sneaky control method, offering clear instructions and psychological tips to make the trick foolproof.

SaturnMagicShop says...

Drew Perry's 'Brick' deck resembles Lego bricks. It offers a seamless switch from cards to Lego bricks. The deck includes custom-designed gaffs for various routines. It can be used for card routines, ambitious card routines, sandwich routines, color changes, mentalism, and visual transformations.

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