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Bottom Deal Exchange by Ed Marlo

Created by: Ed Marlo

The Bottom Deal Exchange is a versatile card magic technique popularized by Ed Marlo, ideal for close-up magic. It allows magicians to perform forces, switches, and controls with a deck of cards. The trick involves a subtle 'buckling' action to loosen the bottom card while maintaining the deck's squared appearance, creating the illusion of a clean bottom deal. This move can be enhanced with cards of different colored backs for added deception. The tutorial demonstrates three force variations: face-up, secret card, and table force, along with a spread control technique called 'Switch Outside Lights'.

Key features

  • Versatile technique for forces, switches, and controls

  • Requires a firm grip and subtle 'buckling' action

  • Can be used with cards of different colored backs for enhanced illusion

  • Includes three force variations and a spread control technique

  • Encourages practice for smoothness and deception

Pros

  • Highly versatile with multiple applications

  • Subtle and deceptive when mastered

  • Can be enhanced with creative variations

Cons

  • Requires significant practice to master

  • Subtlety of the move may be challenging for beginners

Effect

The Bottom Deal Exchange creates the illusion that a spectator freely selects a card from a spread deck. The magician then reveals the chosen card, which is actually a predetermined force card. The move can be used to force, switch, or control a card without detection.

Full Details

The Bottom Deal Exchange is a technique popularized by Ed Marlo. It involves a subtle buckling action with the middle finger to loosen the bottom card while maintaining a squared deck appearance. The magician then exchanges the spectator’s touched card with the force card (such as the Ace of Spades) in a smooth, deceptive motion.

Three force variations are demonstrated:

  • Face-Up Force: The force card is revealed face-up, appearing as a simple turnover.
  • Secret Card Force: The force card remains hidden, allowing for further controls or routines.
  • Table Force: The force card is cleanly removed from the deck and placed on the table.

The move can also be combined with other techniques, such as the "Switch Outside Lights" spread control, also by Ed Marlo.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This move is ideal for intermediate to advanced card magicians who want a versatile tool for forces, switches, and controls. It requires practice to master but offers strong deception when performed smoothly.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Bottom Deal Exchange relies on precise finger pressure and a subtle buckling motion. SeanDevine notes that while the concept is straightforward, achieving smoothness takes practice. The grip must be firm, and the middle finger’s movement must be controlled to avoid flashing.

What Magicians Say

SeanDevine describes the Bottom Deal Exchange as "one of my favorite moves" due to its adaptability. He emphasizes that "the sky is the limit with this move" and highlights its deceptive simplicity when executed well. He also mentions that using a deck with different-colored backs can enhance the illusion, as the force card remains hidden during the exchange.

The move is praised for its versatility, allowing magicians to integrate it into various routines. However, SeanDevine stresses that practice is essential to make the action feel natural and deceptive.

What people are saying about Bottom Deal Exchange

SeanDevine says...

The Bottom Deal Exchange is one of my favorite moves... there are so many applications you can use it as a switch as a force as a control the the sky is the limit with this move.

Tutorial videos