Card At Any Number by Mike Rose, Peter Nardi, Nikolas Mavresis, Martin Peirce, and Jay Sankey

Effect

The Card At Any Number trick creates a powerful moment of magic for the audience. A spectator freely names any number. The magician counts down to that position in a shuffled deck. The card at that exact number matches a previously selected card. This creates the appearance of an impossible coincidence. The spectator feels they had complete freedom in choosing both the card and the number.

Full details

Card At Any Number is a classic magic plot with many performance methods. Some versions use mathematical principles that make the trick self-working. Other versions require specific sleight of hand techniques. The effect can be performed with a standard deck of cards. Some methods work with borrowed and shuffled decks. The trick typically involves a spectator selecting a card and naming a number. The magician then reveals that exact card at that exact position.

Multiple approaches exist for performing Card At Any Number. Some methods use gimmicked cards or special decks. Other methods rely on mathematical setups or clever counting techniques. The basic principle involves controlling the location of a selected card while maintaining the appearance of randomness. The spectator believes they have complete freedom throughout the process.

Who should consider the trick

Beginners will find many self-working versions of Card At Any Number. These methods require no sleight of hand and use mathematical principles. AMillionCardTricks states these are "great for beginners and those preferring no-sleight tricks." Intermediate magicians can explore versions that incorporate basic card controls and forces. Advanced performers can utilize methods that involve more complex sleight of hand and psychological techniques.

The trick suits magicians who want a strong, reputation-making effect. It works well in close-up settings, walk-around magic, and even stage performances. Those who prefer impromptu magic will appreciate methods that work with borrowed decks. Magicians looking for high-impact routines with minimal props will find this effect valuable.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty of Card At Any Number varies significantly between methods. Self-working versions are accessible to complete beginners. These require understanding mathematical principles rather than manual dexterity. As AMillionCardTricks notes, these versions are "easy to learn" and "require no sleight of hand."

Intermediate versions may involve basic card controls and counting techniques. These require some practice to perform smoothly. Sebastian describes Dani Daz's Fool Us Act version as "intermediate difficulty," noting that "while the core principles are accessible, mastering the timing and forces requires practice."

Advanced versions incorporate sophisticated sleight of hand and psychological techniques. TheCardists tutorial focuses on "a secret sleight that is deceptively simple" but requires proper execution. BigBlindMedia emphasizes that "practice is essential before performing for an audience" regardless of the method chosen.

What magicians say

Magicians praise Card At Any Number for its strong impact on audiences. AMillionCardTricks emphasizes presenting it as "a pure coincidence to enhance the magical effect." They note that "emphasizing the randomness of both the card selection and the number makes the reveal more impactful."

Sebastian gives Dani Daz's version a rating of 9.5 out of 10, calling it "a must-have for card magic enthusiasts." He appreciates how the method makes the effect feel "completely fair and hands-off from the performer's perspective."

TheCardists highlight the importance of presentation, stating that proper audience management makes "a technical trick feel like real magic." They note that their method "minimizes suspicious handling, making the effect feel like a genuine coincidence."

Multiple reviewers mention the versatility of Card At Any Number effects. BigBlindMedia presents seven different methods, showing how magicians can choose approaches that match their skill level and performance style.