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Any Card At Any Number by Craig Petty, Jay Sankey, Daniel Madison, Peter Turner, and Michel & Vernet Magic

Created by: Craig Petty, Jay Sankey, Daniel Madison, Peter Turner, Michel & Vernet Magic

The 'Any Card At Any Number' (ACAAN) trick is a classic and highly versatile magic effect where a spectator freely names any card and any number in a deck, and the magician miraculously reveals that the chosen card is at the exact named position in the deck. This trick can be performed in various settings, including close-up, parlour, and stage magic, and often involves card magic, mentalism, or a combination of both. Buyers should be aware that different methods and variations exist, ranging from self-working to those requiring advanced sleight of hand.

Key features

  • Versatile performance options for close-up, parlour, and stage magic.

  • Multiple methods available, from self-working to advanced sleight of hand.

  • Can be performed with a regular deck or specialized gimmicks.

  • High audience impact with a strong illusion of impossibility.

  • Various teaching resources available, including tutorials and masterclasses.

Pros

  • Highly interactive and engaging for spectators.

  • Strong magical impact with a clear, impossible effect.

  • Multiple variations and methods to suit different skill levels.

  • Can be adapted for different performance environments.

  • Often requires minimal setup and can be performed impromptu.

Cons

  • Some methods require advanced sleight of hand or practice.

  • Certain variations may rely on gimmicks or specific setups.

  • Performance can be angle-sensitive in some methods.

  • May require memorization or mathematical calculations in some versions.

  • Not all methods allow for complete deck examination by spectators.

Effect

The Any Card At Any Number (ACAAN) trick is a classic card magic effect where a spectator freely names any playing card and any number between 1 and 52. The magician then reveals that the exact chosen card is at the exact named position in the deck. This creates a moment of astonishment, as the odds of this happening by chance are astronomically low.

Full Details

ACAAN is one of the most respected effects in card magic due to its apparent impossibility. The spectator has complete freedom in choosing both the card and the number, making the trick feel fair and unexplainable. There are numerous methods to achieve this effect, ranging from self-working mathematical principles to advanced sleight of hand. Some versions use gimmicked decks, while others rely on psychological forces or memorized stacks.

Key variations include:

  • Ungimmicked methods (using sleights like the cull, glide, or key card techniques).
  • Gimmicked decks (such as the Atomic Deck or Quantum Deck).
  • Hybrid approaches (combining technology, like apps or websites, with traditional card handling).

Who Should Consider the Trick

ACAAN is suitable for:

  • Beginners who want a self-working or minimal-sleight version.
  • Intermediate magicians looking to refine their ACAAN technique with more advanced controls.
  • Professionals who need a high-impact, commercial routine for walk-around or stage performances.

Difficulty

The difficulty varies widely depending on the method:

  • Easy: Self-working versions (e.g., using a stacked deck or mathematical principles).
  • Moderate: Techniques like the cull or glide require practice but are manageable.
  • Advanced: Methods involving memorized stacks, multiple controls, or psychological forces demand significant skill.

What Magicians Say

  • Craig Petty (Magic-TV) praises ungimmicked ACAAN methods for their practicality, stating, "The trick is entirely self-working, requiring no sleight of hand."
  • Jay Sankey recommends beginner-friendly approaches, noting, "The first method combines a straightforward double undercut with the topper sleight, allowing the deck to be thoroughly examined."
  • Reid Ferry highlights the psychological impact, saying, "The routine’s simplicity and directness make it a strong candidate for performers looking to add a mind-blowing, interactive card trick."
  • Magic Orthodoxy reviews the Atomic Deck, calling it "a wonderful solution to the 'any card at any number' plot" but notes the reliance on technology may not suit all performers.

ACAAN remains a cornerstone of card magic, offering endless possibilities for customization and performance. Whether you prefer a hands-off approach or a technically demanding routine, there’s an ACAAN method that fits your style.

What people are saying about Any Card At Any Number

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The grand finale? An any-card-at-any-number effect tailored for virtual performances, complete with a surprising reveal.

BAM_magic says...

Destiny Deal is considered one of the most commercial any card at any number effects. The gimmick is a specially printed card that doubles as an instruction card.

BestMagic says...

Uses a regular deck with no gimmicks. Relies on controlled placement and the Glide move.

fiddlinjonny says...

Teaches advanced techniques like the Block Force and Visual Count, suited for intermediate to advanced magicians.

magicorthodoxy says...

The principles and techniques taught are applicable to any marked deck. The class focuses on developing rapid and intuitive mark recognition.

magic-tv says...

The first method, 'Pure,' uses a subtle control to place the named card at the chosen number. The second, 'HPC,' applies a coin magic technique to cards for a clean switch.

mentalistonashoestring says...

'Ninja Stack' is a beginner-friendly introduction to memorized deck work. The tutorial includes visual aids and interactive teaching methods.

penguinmagictricks5930 says...

Commercial Appeal: Focuses on direct, audience-driven moments without complex setups. No Memorization: Doesn't rely on stack systems or mnemonics, emphasizing organic spectator interaction.

PigCake says...

Learn two handling methods for the ACAAN trick: one for table use and one for standing performances. The trick is easy to perform with any borrowed deck, requiring minimal setup.

RealMagicReview says...

The 'Any Card At Any Number' trick is designed for real-world performance, requiring minimal setup and no complex calculations.

ReidFerry says...

The routine is performed with a casual, interactive approach, ideal for street or close-up magic. The spectator freely selects positions for each Ace, eliminating suspicion of forced numbers.

SankeyMagic says...

Uses a key card and simple sleight for a clean ACAAN effect. Works with a shuffled deck, enhancing fairness.

SaturnMagicShop says...

The Atomic Deck allows for a truly free 'Any Card at Any Number' effect. The routine is exceptionally direct and clean, with no sleight of hand or gimmicks.

steventaputoro says...

The routine is self-working, relying on mathematical principles or clever setups. Emphasizes clean presentation and audience impact for an impossible effect.

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