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

Effect

The Card At Any Number trick creates a powerful moment of magic for the audience. A spectator freely names any number. The magician then counts down to that exact position in a shuffled deck. The card at that number matches a previously selected card. This happens even though the spectator had complete freedom to choose both the card and the number. The effect appears to be a perfect coincidence that defies all probability.

Full details

Card At Any Number is a classic magic plot with many different methods available. Some versions use mathematical principles to achieve the effect. These are often self-working, requiring no advanced card handling. Other versions incorporate sleight of hand for magicians who prefer more technical approaches. The trick can be performed with any standard deck of cards, making it highly accessible. Some specialized versions include gimmicked cards or additional props like dice to enhance the effect. The basic structure remains consistent across methods: a card is selected, a number is named, and the two impossibly match.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits magicians at all skill levels. Beginners will find self-working versions that require no previous card magic experience. As AMillionCardTricks notes, these versions are "great for beginners and those preferring no-sleight tricks." Intermediate magicians can explore methods that incorporate basic sleight of hand. Advanced performers will appreciate sophisticated handling that makes the effect even more impossible. The trick works well in various performance settings from close-up magic to stage shows. Derren Brown specifically mentions appreciating this effect for its ability to involve the audience directly in the magic.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty varies significantly depending on the chosen method. Self-working versions require minimal practice and can be performed immediately after learning. As multiple reviewers note, these methods are "accessible even for beginners" and require "no sleight of hand." More advanced versions may require practice to master specific moves or timing. Sebastian mentions that Dani Daz's Fool Us Act version is "rated as intermediate difficulty" and "requires some practice to master the timing and forces." The Cardists tutorial focuses on a "secret sleight that is deceptively simple" but still requires practice to execute smoothly. Most reviewers emphasize that even the more technical versions become manageable with proper practice.

What magicians say

Magicians consistently praise Card At Any Number for its strong impact on audiences. AMillionCardTricks emphasizes that presenting it as "a pure coincidence" enhances the magical effect. Derren Brown, as discussed by AlakazamMagicUK, values this effect because it "involves the participant directly in the magic." Multiple reviewers highlight the practical benefits of self-working versions. As one summary notes, these methods are "ideal for impromptu performances, especially with kids or in casual social situations." Sebastian gives Dani Daz's version a rating of 9.5 out of 10, calling it "practical material" that's "well-shot and explained." The variety of available methods means every magician can find a version that matches their skill level and performance style.