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Any Card Any Number by Ben Harris

Created by: Ben Harris

The 'Any Card Any Number' trick is a stunning close-up card magic routine where a spectator shuffles the deck, selects any card, and names any number. The magician then deals down to that number, and the chosen card appears exactly at the specified position. This trick leverages a cleverly designed deck (like a Svengali variant) and subtle handling techniques to create an impossible, mind-blowing moment. It’s perfect for intimate settings or parlour performances, and the method is disguised so well that even seasoned magicians may be fooled. Buyers should note that while the trick is easy to perform with practice, mastering the subtleties (like the 'Resurrection Shuffle') is key to making it truly deceptive.

Key features

  • Uses a specially designed deck (not a standard Svengali) for maximum deception

  • Includes multiple routines and presentations (e.g., 52 factorial theme, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy version)

  • Teaches advanced handling techniques like the 'Resurrection Shuffle'

  • Comes with clear, well-written instructions and performance tips

  • Suitable for both beginners and advanced magicians

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and fooling even for magicians

  • Versatile with multiple presentations and routines

  • Clear, engaging instructions with performance tips

  • Encourages creative exploration of the principle

Cons

  • Requires practice to master subtleties like deck handling

  • May need additional props (e.g., a specific deck) for some routines

Effect

The Any Card Any Number trick creates the illusion that a spectator can freely name any card and any number in the deck, and the magician can instantly reveal that exact card at that exact position. The routine involves two spectators shuffling the deck, selecting a card, and naming a number. When the magician deals down to that number, the chosen card appears exactly where predicted. The presentation often incorporates mathematical concepts like 52 factorial (the number of possible deck arrangements) to enhance the impossibility of the effect.

Full Details

The Any Card Any Number routine in Ben Harris's Symmetry, Parity and The Chimera Deck uses a specialized deck setup combined with clever handling techniques to achieve the effect. Unlike traditional Svengali deck tricks, this method incorporates subtle shuffles and displays to make the process appear fair. The routine includes multiple phases, such as a spectator shuffle and a controlled reveal, making it highly deceptive. The book provides detailed instructions on handling the deck naturally, along with alternative presentations, such as a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy-themed version.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who want a strong, self-working routine that still allows for creative presentation. It works well for both close-up and parlor settings, making it versatile for different performance environments. Beginners will appreciate the structured method, while experienced magicians can adapt the routine with their own presentations.

Difficulty Level

The trick relies on a gimmicked deck, so the difficulty primarily lies in smooth handling and convincing audience management. Some subtleties, like the "Resurrection Shuffle," may require practice to perform naturally. However, the book provides clear instructions, and many of the moves are designed to be intuitive. As reviewer Steve Faulkner notes, "It's easy but you've got to practice it... to really learn to handle the deck."

What Magicians Say

Steve Faulkner praises the routine for its deceptive simplicity and strong audience impact:

  • "The idea of this Bengali deck routine... is that you have two Spectators... they Shuffle the cards... and then you go you know any number and you deal down and the card is at that number. It's beautifully done."
  • "The presentation you can get around this are wonderful... it's just an idea but the idea of this Bengali deck routine at the beginning is that you have two Spectators... and they sort of create the whole thing."

The book is also commended for its clear writing and practical routines, making it a valuable resource for magicians at any skill level.

What people are saying about Any Card Any Number

RealMagicReview says...

The 'Any Card Any Number' routine is beautifully done with all these little subtleties—the way you handle the deck and the shuffle makes it brilliantly disarming. [...] This is a phenomenal piece of work that will inspire and elevate your card magic.

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