Any Card by Richard Sanders

Created by: Richard Sanders

The 'Any Card' trick by Richard Sanders is a stunning close-up card magic effect where a spectator freely names any card, and it is revealed to be predicted on the backs of four aces from a different-colored deck. This trick is known for its strong audience reactions and the illusion of complete freedom of choice. It's a gimmick-based trick that requires some initial setup but is almost self-working once prepared, making it suitable for magicians comfortable with card handling. The deck used is not examinable, but the aces can be shown, adding to the trick's credibility.

Key features

Spectator names any card freely
Prediction revealed on the backs of four aces
Almost self-working with no complex moves
Quick reset (about 10 seconds)
Strong closer for performances
Gimmick-based with initial setup required
Deck not examinable, but aces can be shown

Pros

Highly practical and plays big
No angle issues once set up
Engaging and strong audience reactions
Suitable for both beginners and pros with practice
Clear tutorial with multiple camera angles included

Cons

Deck is not examinable
Initial setup takes about 30 minutes
Requires comfort with card handling

Effect

The trick Any Card by Richard Sanders creates a powerful moment of astonishment. A spectator freely names any playing card. The magician then reveals that the chosen card was predicted in advance, often by showing it written or appearing on the backs of four aces from a different-colored deck. The effect is clean, direct, and leaves no room for doubt about the spectator’s free choice.

Full Details

Any Card uses a specially prepared deck, allowing the magician to accommodate any named card without forcing or sleight of hand. The setup takes about 30 minutes and requires no glue, just a thick marker. Once prepared, the deck is ready for repeated performances. The trick resets in seconds, making it practical for live shows.

The reveal typically involves four aces from a contrasting deck, which can be examined by the audience. However, the main deck is not examinable. The method is nearly self-working, meaning minimal skill is required to perform it effectively.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who want a strong, commercial card effect with minimal handling. It works well for close-up, walkaround, or stage performances. Beginners can perform it with little practice, while experienced magicians can use it as a reliable closer.

Difficulty

Any Card is rated as easy to perform. The method requires no advanced sleight of hand, and the reset is quick. The main challenge is the initial setup, which involves marking the deck. Once prepared, the trick is straightforward to execute.

What Magicians Say

Craig Petty calls it "one of the best tricks ever created" and praises its practicality and strong audience reactions. He notes that his friend, a top close-up magician, uses it as a closer.
Steve Faulkner initially hesitated but became a fan, calling it a standout trick with no angle issues. He recommends it for magicians comfortable with card handling.
Finland Johnny highlights its self-working nature and beginner-friendly tutorial, making it accessible to all skill levels.
Nemed Phoenix uses it as a powerful closer in his performances, blending it seamlessly into his routines.

The trick has received widespread praise for its impact, ease of use, and reliability in real-world performances.

What people are saying about Any Card

BigBlindMedia says...

The video highlights the importance of confident presentation. The magician's demeanor and handling of the cards are key to selling the illusion.

Craig Petty says...

He praises the trick for being almost self-working, practical, and highly impactful, though the deck itself isn't examinable.

Finland Johnny says...

The review highlights the trick's self-working nature, easy reset, and the clear, multi-angle tutorial that comes with it.

Lee Faulkner says...

Faulkner compares it favorably to other Sanders tricks like 'Extreme Burn' and 'Fiber Optics,' calling it a standout for close-up sets.

Nemed Phoenix says...

Finally, 'Any Card' by Richard Sanders serves as Nemed’s closer, where a named card appears on the backs of four aces.

Steve Faulkner says...

Steve stresses the importance of repetition and accepting imperfections, using the Turner Watch Routine and Any Card as examples of tricks that once scared him but now shine in his act.