Automatic Card Shift by Tobias Hudson

Created by: Tobias Hudson

The Automatic Card Shift is a sophisticated sleight within the realm of close-up card magic, designed to deceive and astonish spectators with its seamless execution. This technique allows the magician to invisibly shift a card from one position to another in the deck, creating the illusion of magic without the need for gimmicks or setups. It's a versatile move that can be adapted into various routines, making it a valuable addition to any magician's repertoire. The trick is part of Tobias Hudson's *Modular Card Magic*, a book that emphasizes adaptability and creativity in card magic.

Key features

  • Versatile sleight that can be integrated into numerous card routines

  • No gimmicks required, making it practical for impromptu performances

  • Detailed explanation and video tutorials available in *Modular Card Magic*

  • Endorsed by Roger Curzon for its deceptive qualities and innovative approach

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and visually clean

  • Adaptable to various performance styles and contexts

  • Includes video tutorials for easier learning

  • Part of a larger, innovative approach to card magic

Cons

  • May require practice to master the sleight

  • Best suited for intermediate to advanced magicians

Effect

The Automatic Card Shift is a deceptive sleight that allows a magician to secretly control a selected card to a desired position in the deck. To the audience, it appears as if the card is fairly lost in the deck, yet the magician can instantly locate it or reveal it in a surprising way. The move is designed to be invisible, making it a powerful tool for card workers who want to enhance their routines with a hidden control.

Full Details

The Automatic Card Shift is featured in Tobias Hudson’s book Modular Card Magic. It is one of several original sleights included in the book, alongside other techniques like the Full Cover Dribble Pass. The move is taught with detailed explanations and supported by video tutorials, ensuring clarity for those learning it.

Hudson’s approach emphasizes adaptability, meaning the Automatic Card Shift can be integrated into various card routines, from classic plots to more experimental effects. The sleight is designed to be modular, allowing magicians to use it in different contexts depending on their performance style.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This sleight is best suited for intermediate to advanced card magicians who are comfortable with card handling and want to expand their repertoire of deceptive controls. It is particularly useful for performers who:

  • Prefer sleight-heavy magic over self-working tricks.
  • Want a versatile move that can be adapted to different routines.
  • Enjoy learning deceptive techniques that enhance existing card magic.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Automatic Card Shift is described as a technically demanding sleight, requiring practice to execute smoothly. The book includes video tutorials to assist with learning the finer details, making it more accessible than text-only explanations. While not a beginner-level move, dedicated card workers should be able to master it with consistent practice.

What Magicians Say

Roger Curzon endorses Modular Card Magic as a "cornucopia of new and novel ideas," highlighting the book’s creative approach. The Automatic Card Shift is one of the standout sleights mentioned in reviews, praised for its deceptive qualities.

BigBlindMedia notes that the book contains a mix of "sleight-heavy and conceptually rich material," suggesting that the Automatic Card Shift fits well within Hudson’s philosophy of adaptable magic.

MurphysMagicSupplies describes the book as a "versatile resource," emphasizing that the Automatic Card Shift is among the techniques receiving dedicated attention. The inclusion of video support is seen as a valuable aid for learning the move.

For magicians looking to refine their card controls with a deceptive and modular sleight, the Automatic Card Shift is a strong option worth exploring.

What people are saying about Automatic Card Shift

BigBlindMedia says...

Includes in-depth explanations of Hudson’s *Full Cover Dribble Pass* and *Automatic Card Shift*, both praised for their deceptive qualities.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

Tobias mentions several specific techniques within the book, including [...] *Automatic Card Shift:* Another sleight receiving dedicated attention.

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