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Any Card At Any Time by Sebastian Matsak and Philippe Molina

Created by: Sebastian Matsak, Philippe Molina

The 'Any Card At Any Time' (ACAAT) trick is a close-up card magic effect where a spectator names or selects any card, and the magician instantly produces it in a seemingly impossible way. Using a combination of timing, two decks of cards, and a smartphone app, the magician creates a moment of astonishment as the chosen card appears at the exact moment predicted by the spectator's timing. This trick is perfect for social settings, as it involves the audience directly and feels highly interactive. Buyers should note that the app works with any card stack (e.g., Mnemonica, Aronson) and requires minimal setup, making it accessible even for beginners.

Key features

  • Uses a smartphone app for timing and interaction

  • Works with any card stack (no memorization required)

  • Involves two decks of cards for a layered effect

  • Suitable for close-up or social performances

  • Available on iOS and Android

Pros

  • Strong visual impact and audience engagement

  • No need to memorize card stacks

  • Interactive and feels fair to spectators

  • Versatile with multiple performance options

  • Regular updates and active developer support

Cons

  • Instructions could be clearer for beginners

  • Overdubbed English translation may confuse some users

  • Requires a smartphone, which may limit certain performances

Effect

The "Any Card At Any Time" (ACAAT) trick allows a magician to instantly produce any card a spectator names or selects. The effect involves two decks of cards—one shuffled by the spectator and another controlled by the magician. The spectator selects a card, and through an interactive timing element (using a phone's clock app), the magician reveals the exact card in a surprising and seemingly impossible way. The trick blends card magic with digital interaction, making it feel modern and engaging.

Full Details

ACAAT is an app-based trick that works with two decks of cards. The spectator shuffles one deck while the magician uses the app to guide the performance. The key feature is the timing element—the spectator stops a clock on their phone, and the magician uses that exact time to locate the chosen card in the second deck.

The app supports various card stacks (like Mnemonica or Aronson), but memorization isn’t required—the app handles the calculations. This makes it accessible even for magicians unfamiliar with stacked decks. The trick can be performed in multiple ways, including forcing a card or letting the spectator freely name one.

Who Should Consider the Trick

  • Magicians who enjoy interactive tricks – The phone integration makes it engaging for spectators.
  • Performers looking for a fresh take on card magic – The timing element adds a unique twist.
  • Beginners and pros alike – No prior knowledge of stacked decks is needed, but experienced magicians can customize the effect further.

Difficulty Level

The trick is moderate in difficulty but designed to be user-friendly. The app simplifies the process, so the main challenge is smooth execution and presentation. Some reviewers noted that the instructions could be clearer, but once understood, the method is straightforward.

What Magicians Say

  • Steve Faulkner (RealMagicReview) initially thought ACAAT was just another forcing tool but later praised its cleverness: "It’s a really solid and good fun thing to perform... it feels different from typical card magic."
  • The app’s ability to work with any stack was highlighted as a major advantage, making it versatile for different performers.
  • Some users mentioned the instructions could be clearer, but the Facebook support group is active, with developers responding to questions.

Overall, "Any Card At Any Time" is a well-received trick that combines classic card magic with modern tech, offering a fresh and engaging experience for both magicians and audiences.

What people are saying about Any Card At Any Time

RealMagicReview says...

I thought it was just another card force tool, but after testing, I found it to be a clever, interactive trick that feels different from typical card magic. The app eliminates memorization by working with any card stack.

Steve Faulkner says...

It's a really nice thing because when I performed it, they can't really unpick it. The way they do it makes complete sense, and it's a kicker because you've done this ring where you've found the card.

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