Bertram Change

Effect

The Bertram Change is a visual card transformation where a selected card instantly changes into another card right in front of the spectator's eyes. The magician displays one card, and with a simple gesture, it visibly morphs into a different card. The effect is clean, direct, and leaves no room for suspicion—until spectators inevitably try to inspect the magician's hands for hidden cards.

Full Details

The Bertram Change is a sleight-of-hand technique that allows a magician to cleanly switch one card for another in a seemingly impossible manner. It relies on precise hand positioning and misdirection to conceal the mechanics of the change. The move is often used in routines where a card needs to transform unexpectedly, creating a strong magical moment.

Craig Petty mentions that while performing the Bertram Change, some spectators may instinctively grab the magician’s hand to check for hidden cards. This suggests that the effectiveness of the change depends on proper execution and routine structure to minimize suspicion.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Bertram Change is ideal for:

• Intermediate to advanced card magicians who are comfortable with palming techniques.
• Performers who want a visual, in-the-hands transformation without relying on gimmicks.
• Those who enjoy strong, interactive magic where spectators may react physically (like trying to inspect hands).

Difficulty

The Bertram Change requires proficiency in:

• Tenkai palm (or similar concealment techniques).
• Natural handling to avoid telegraphing the move.
• Routine construction to offload palmed cards smoothly (e.g., adding the card to a deck or producing it from a pocket).

Craig Petty notes that if spectators frequently grab the hand after the change, the magician may need to refine their technique or adjust the routine to prevent suspicion.

What Magicians Say

Craig Petty discusses the Bertram Change in his Q&A, emphasizing the importance of routine structure to prevent spectators from inspecting the hand. He suggests:

• Analyzing performance footage to identify telegraphing issues.
• Adding a natural offload (e.g., producing the palmed card from a pocket or adding it to the deck).
• Transitioning to a gambler’s flat palm or left-hand classic palm for better angle management.

He also references Needle Phoenix, a magician who frequently uses the Bertram Change without spectators attempting to inspect his hands, highlighting the importance of polished execution.

The Bertram Change is a powerful tool for card workers who want a visually deceptive transformation, but it demands practice to perform convincingly under close scrutiny.