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Atus by Alex Elmsley, John Bannon, and Ed Marlo

Created by: Alex Elmsley, John Bannon, Ed Marlo

Atus is a streamlined version of the classic 'Sandwich' card trick, where a spectator's selected card is magically found sandwiched between two face cards (like Jacks, Queens, or Jokers) in the deck. This close-up magic trick simplifies the original method by Alex Elmsley, using a clever switch inspired by John Bannon's techniques for a more accessible and deceptive performance. The trick involves openly removing two face cards, secretly positioning the selected card between them through a thumb break and swivel cut control, and then revealing the card in a surprising and magical manner.

Key features

  • Simplified approach to the classic Sandwich trick

  • Uses John Bannon's move for a more streamlined and deceptive handling

  • Involves openly removing two face cards and a subtle switch

  • Thumb break and swivel cut control are key techniques

  • Avoids excessive flourishes for greater deception

  • Works with any deck, anytime, anywhere

Pros

  • More accessible and easier to perform than the original Elmsley method

  • Highly deceptive due to streamlined handling

  • Direct and impressive effect

  • Practical performance tips provided

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the thumb break and swivel cut control

  • Not suitable for beginners without prior card handling skills

Effect

The Atus trick creates the illusion that a freely selected card magically appears between two face-up cards (such as Jacks, Queens, or Jokers) after being lost in the deck. The magician openly removes the two face cards, places them in the middle of the deck, and with a simple cut, the spectator's card is revealed sandwiched between them. The effect is direct, visual, and highly deceptive.

Full Details

The Atus trick is a streamlined version of the classic Sandwich effect, originally developed by Alex Elmsley and later refined using a move from John Bannon's Dealing With It. The method replaces complex finger work with a more practical and deceptive approach.

Key steps include:

  • A spectator selects a card, which is lost in the deck.
  • Two face cards are openly removed and placed aside.
  • A thumb break and swivel cut control secretly position the selected card.
  • The deck is cut, revealing the chosen card between the two face cards.

The trick avoids excessive flourishes, relying instead on subtle moves to maintain deception.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Magicians who want a direct, visual card effect.
  • Performers looking for a streamlined alternative to more complex sandwich routines.
  • Those who appreciate methods that prioritize simplicity and deception over technical difficulty.

Difficulty

The Atus trick is moderately easy to perform, especially for magicians familiar with basic card controls like the thumb break and swivel cut. The method is less demanding than the original Elmsley handling, making it accessible to intermediate-level performers.

What Magicians Say

SeanDevine, who teaches this version, praises its practicality:
"I prefer John Bannon's move over that one if I'm just being honest... it's just a lot easier and more economical."

He also notes that using court cards or Jokers instead of Aces improves the trick's deception. The method avoids unnecessary movements, making it more foolproof in performance.

The trick is recommended for magicians who want a strong, self-working sandwich effect without complex sleight of hand.

What people are saying about Atus

SeanDevine says...

I love sandwich tricks and I'm always trying to create new ones or sort of reinvent old ones from the past... I prefer John Bannon's move over that one if I'm just being honest.

Tutorial videos