Big Reaction by Roy Johnson and Andy Nyman

Created by: Roy Johnson, Andy Nyman

Big Reaction is a powerful close-up and stand-up card magic trick where a spectator freely names any card—no force or equivocation is used. The magician then reveals that every card in the deck has the word 'Boo' printed on it, except for the spectator's chosen card, which remains blank or normal. This creates a strong psychological and visual surprise, generating thunderous applause and jaw-dropping moments. Designed by Roy Johnson and perfected by Andy Nyman, it's ideal for one-on-one, strolling, table-hopping, and even stage performances. The trick features custom-printed cards for ease of use, requires no sleight of hand, and has an instant reset, making it accessible for beginners and professionals alike. Buyers should note that it requires a specific deck setup, which may limit impromptu use, but its reliability and high impact make it a commercial powerhouse.

Key features

No force or equivocation—spectator names any card freely
Custom-printed cards for enhanced presentation and ease of performance
Instant reset and no sleight of hand required
Versatile for close-up, stand-up, table-hopping, and stage magic
Designed to generate strong, consistent audience reactions

Pros

Guarantees huge reactions every time
Easy to perform with minimal technical demand
Works as a strong opener or closer in various performance settings
Reliable and audience-tested over thousands of performances
Self-working and ideal for beginners or professionals seeking low-effort, high-impact magic

Cons

Requires a specific deck setup, limiting impromptu use
Limited stock availability at times, with potential wait for restock

Effect

In Big Reaction, a spectator freely names any playing card. The magician then shows that every card in the deck has the word 'Boo' printed on its back, except for the one card the spectator named. This creates a surprising and impossible moment for the audience.

Full details

Big Reaction is a card trick created by Roy Johnson and perfected by Andy Nyman. The spectator names any card without any force or equivocation. The magician uses a special deck where all the cards appear identical, except for the named card. The trick has an instant reset, allowing it to be performed again immediately. The current version includes custom-printed cards to make the performance easier. It is designed for close-up, table hopping, and stage settings.

Who should consider the trick

Big Reaction is ideal for magicians who perform in restaurants, at trade shows, or at parties. It works well for one-on-one situations and for larger groups. Performers who need a strong opener or closer for their set will find it useful. It is also suitable for magicians who prefer tricks with minimal sleight of hand. The trick is versatile and fits into many types of acts.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Big Reaction is easy to perform. It requires no sleight of hand. The method is self-working and foolproof. The custom-printed cards make the handling straightforward. Magicians can learn it quickly and perform it with confidence. It is accessible for beginners but also reliable for professionals.

What magicians say

Craig Petty says the trick has strong audience impact and is easy to perform. He recommends it for large tables. Harry Nardi includes Big Reaction in his desert island picks, noting it is designed for cheers. Reviewers from AlakazamMagicUK state that Big Reaction is a commercial powerhouse that guarantees huge reactions every time. They mention it has been performed thousands of times with consistent outcomes. The trick is praised for its versatility and its ability to create jaw-dropping moments. Andy Nyman's involvement adds credibility to the routine.

What people are saying about Big Reaction

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Big Reaction is a standout magic trick that has been a favorite since its 2011 release. In the trick, a spectator picks a card, and through a series of choices, the magician shows it's the only one in the deck without the word 'Boo'. The simplicity and powerful reaction make it a must-have for magicians.

Craig Petty says...

I highly recommend 'Big Reaction' for its strong audience impact and ease of performance. It's become a staple in my gigs, ideal for large tables and capable of delivering big reactions effortlessly.

Harry Nardi says...

Big Reaction is a card trick designed for cheers, selected for its versatility, audience engagement, and performance value in a professional table act.