Any Card At Any Number by Craig Petty, Jay Sankey, Daniel Madison, Peter Turner, Cavan Booth, Lloyd Barnes, David Jonathan, Kevin Aust, Juan Pablo, Dani DaOrtiz, Michel & Vernet Magic, Jason Ladanye, Matt Clewley, Reed Finley Sleights, and PigCake

Effect

Any Card At Any Number is a classic card magic effect. A spectator names any playing card and any number between one and fifty two. The magician then counts to that number in a deck of cards. The spectator's named card appears exactly at that position. The effect looks like a perfect coincidence or a miracle of prediction. The magician appears to have no control over the outcome.

Full details

Any Card At Any Number, often called ACAAN, is a plot where a card and a number are freely selected. The chosen card appears at the chosen position in the deck. Methods vary widely. Some use sleight of hand to control the card. Some use mathematical principles or stacked decks. Some use gimmicks or special decks. Some use technology like phone apps or websites. Craig Petty demonstrates multiple methods, including ungimmicked versions and ones with bonus kickers. The Atomic Deck by Craig Petty is a specialized deck that allows a truly hands-off performance. The spectator can think of any card and number without speaking them aloud. The deck is then dealt to find the card at that number. Other methods, like those taught by Jay Sankey, use simple sleights like a double undercut and the topper move. Some versions are self working, requiring no sleight of hand at all. These often rely on a pre arranged stack or a clever principle. The effect can be performed impromptu with a borrowed deck or with prepared props.

Who should consider the trick

Any Card At Any Number suits magicians who want a strong, impossible looking card effect. It is good for performers who work in close up settings, such as walk around or table hopping. Craig Petty's methods are shown to be practical for real world performance. Beginners can find versions that require minimal skill, like the Flip method taught by BestMagic, which uses a standard deck and no advanced sleight of hand. Intermediate and advanced magicians may prefer methods that incorporate sleights like culls, controls, or switches. Mentalists may use ACAAN as a demonstration of precognition or mind reading. Performers who like interactive magic will appreciate that many ACAAN routines involve the spectator shuffling, choosing, and dealing the cards. Magicians looking for a commercial effect that plays well for audiences of all ages should consider this trick. It is also suitable for stage or parlor settings when presented with confidence.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty of Any Card At Any Number varies greatly depending on the method chosen. Some versions are very easy. BestMagic teaches a version that is suitable for beginners and requires no advanced sleight of hand. Self working methods, like some shown by Craig Petty, need no sleights but may require a specific setup or stack. These are often accessible to newcomers. Other methods demand more skill. ReidFerry teaches a version using the cull, which is a sleight that requires practice to perform smoothly. Jay Sankey explains a method using a turnover switch, which is more advanced. Some routines, like those discussed by RealMagicReview, use faro shuffles and double lifts, which are intermediate to advanced techniques. The HPC technique adapted from coin magic, as shown by Craig Petty, requires practice to master. The psychological aspects, such as presentation and misdirection, are important in all versions and need development regardless of technical difficulty. Magicians should choose a method that matches their current skill level and practice until the performance is seamless.

What magicians say

Magicians praise Any Card At Any Number for its strong impact on audiences. Craig Petty says, "I think I've created the best card trick of all time" regarding his Destiny Deal. He demonstrates multiple methods, emphasizing practicality and audience perception. Reviewers like those at Magic Orthodoxy note that tricks like Inside are "super fun" and can fool other magicians. Lloyd Barnes describes a hands off method as a "miracle level" ACAAN. He loves the routine for its ease and impact. Jay Sankey provides gimmick free methods that are practical and allow the deck to be examined. He says his methods are ideal for newcomers and those ready to level up. BestMagic emphasizes that their taught version is accessible for all skill levels and focuses on presentation to create a strong illusion. Saturn Magic Shop calls the Atomic Deck the "holy grail" of ACAAN, highlighting its cleanliness and directness. PigCake breaks down the trick with humor and practical tips, showing it can be performed with any borrowed deck. Overall, magicians agree that ACAAN is a powerful effect worth adding to a repertoire, with methods available for every skill level.