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Card Revelation by Peter Nardi, Dave Loosley, Craig Petty, and Richard Sanders

Created by: Peter Nardi, Dave Loosley, Craig Petty, Richard Sanders

The 'Card Revelation' trick is a versatile and engaging close-up magic effect where a spectator freely selects a card from a deck, and the magician reveals it in an unexpected and impossible manner. This trick can be performed in various styles, including mentalism, card magic, or even with everyday objects like poker chips. The revelation often involves the card appearing in a surprising location, such as the magician's pocket, printed on poker chips the spectator has been holding, or even as the only face-up card in a blank deck. The effect is designed to be highly interactive, allowing the spectator to feel in control while the magician delivers a jaw-dropping climax. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings, making it a great addition to any magician's repertoire.

Key features

  • Works with any deck of cards

  • Highly interactive and engaging for spectators

  • Can be adapted for mentalism or card magic routines

  • Suitable for close-up or parlour performances

  • Reliable and easy to perform with minimal setup

Pros

  • Creates a strong emotional impact on spectators

  • Versatile and adaptable to different performance styles

  • No complex sleight of hand required for some versions

  • Can be repeated with different outcomes

  • Works 100% of the time when performed correctly

Cons

  • Some versions require gimmicked props (e.g., poker chips)

  • May need practice to maintain a natural demeanor during performance

  • Not all methods are suitable for impromptu performances

Effect

The Card Revelation is a classic magic effect where a spectator freely selects a card, loses it in the deck, and the magician reveals it in an impossible way. Depending on the method, the card may vanish from the deck, appear in an unexpected location (like the magician’s pocket), or even be the only card left in a blank deck. The revelation is often framed as a mentalism effect, making it seem like the magician predicted the card from the start.

Full Details

The Card Revelation can be performed in multiple ways, each with its own strengths:

  • Blank Deck Ending – After the spectator selects a card, the entire deck appears blank except for their chosen card, creating a surreal moment.
  • Pocket Revelation – The selected card vanishes from the deck and is found in the magician’s pocket, sometimes even before the trick begins.
  • One-Way Backs – A subtle method where the card is secretly reversed in the deck, allowing the magician to locate it by observing the backs.
  • Poker Chip Revelation – The spectator’s card is revealed printed on the backs of poker chips they’ve been holding the entire time.

The trick relies on strong presentation, making the selection process seem fair while secretly controlling the outcome.

Who Should Consider the Trick

  • Beginners – Some versions (like one-way backs) are simple to learn and perform.
  • Mentalists – The effect can be framed as a prediction or mind-reading demonstration.
  • Close-up magicians – Works well in casual settings with minimal setup.
  • Card workers – Can be combined with other card tricks for a multi-phase routine.

Difficulty

The difficulty varies by method:

  • Easy – One-way backs and self-working gimmicks require little skill.
  • Moderate – Blank deck endings and pocket revelations may need some practice in misdirection.
  • Advanced – Some versions require smooth handling to maintain deception.

What Magicians Say

  • Peter Nardi & Dave Loosley (AlakazamMagicUK) – "The blank deck ending is phenomenal. It feels totally fair because the spectator does all the mixing."
  • SaturnMagicShop (on poker chip revelation) – "The poker chips are really in play from the beginning, making it super deceptive."
  • CardMechanic (on one-way backs) – "Magicians might hate how simple it is, but audiences are fooled every time."
  • Richard Sanders (on vanish & reappearance) – "This is my go-to effect for 20 years—it gets guaranteed killer reactions."

The Card Revelation remains a versatile and powerful tool in magic, whether used as a standalone effect or part of a larger routine.

What people are saying about Card Revelation

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The blank deck ending is phenomenal—it's like color-changing bags, just really cool. The whole process feels totally fair, with the spectator in complete control.

CardMechanic says...

Every single magician is going to hate me for showing you this, but here's how you find their selected card every time using a one-way back design—it's super simple yet incredibly effective.

Richard Sanders says...

This is the one effect I use when I need a 100% guarantee to blow their minds. It's an impossible card revelation that leaves your audience absolutely shocked.

SaturnMagicShop says...

The Big Blind is the perfect opener, the perfect mentalism trick, and the perfect everyday carry. The poker chips are really in play from the very beginning, making it super deceptive.

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