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Card Rise by Valentino Richi

Created by: Valentino Richi

The 'Card Rise' trick is a mesmerizing close-up magic effect where a single playing card mysteriously rises from the deck, seemingly defying gravity. The trick is performed with simple props like a standard deck of cards, a wine glass, a transparent silk scarf, and a glass dome, each used to escalate the impossibility of the effect. The creator emphasizes the beauty and wonder of magic, drawing parallels to the hummingbird's extraordinary abilities. The performance is slow and deliberate, with audience participation enhancing the sense of awe. This trick is ideal for magicians who appreciate philosophical depth and theatrical presentation in their routines.

Key features

  • Uses simple, everyday props to create a powerful illusion

  • Emphasizes slow, deliberate movements and audience participation

  • Incorporates philosophical and poetic elements to elevate the performance

  • Escalates the effect by isolating the deck in increasingly impossible conditions (wine glass, silk scarf, glass dome)

  • Focuses on creating a sense of wonder and belief in the audience

Pros

  • Highly visual and impossible-looking effect

  • Strong emotional and philosophical impact on the audience

  • Versatile for close-up or parlour settings

  • Encourages creative presentation and storytelling

Cons

  • Requires careful handling and timing to maintain the illusion

  • May need specific lighting conditions to maximize visual impact

  • Not suitable for fast-paced or high-energy performances

Effect

The Card Rise trick creates the illusion of a single playing card rising from the deck on its own, defying gravity. The magician may perform this multiple times, with different audience members selecting cards that mysteriously rise to the top. The effect is often enhanced by isolating the deck in different ways—inside a wine glass, under a transparent silk scarf, or even beneath a solid glass dome—making the impossibility of the trick even more striking.

Full Details

The trick uses simple props: a standard deck of playing cards, a wine glass, a Mongolian silk scarf, and a glass dome. The magician emphasizes that the cards are ordinary, reinforcing that the magic comes from skill rather than gimmicks. A hummingbird feather is sometimes used as a symbolic prop, tying into the theme of wonder and impossibility.

Performance is key—slow, deliberate movements and audience participation heighten the effect. The magician may have spectators write their names on their chosen cards, making the reveal more personal. The trick builds in phases, starting with a basic rise and escalating to more impossible conditions, like the card rising under a sealed dome.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who enjoy storytelling and creating a sense of awe. It works well for close-up performances, parlour magic, or even stage shows with the right presentation. Those who appreciate philosophical or poetic approaches to magic will find this effect particularly rewarding.

Difficulty

The difficulty depends on the method used, but the performance aspect is crucial. The trick requires smooth handling, timing, and audience management. Beginners may need practice to perfect the mechanics, while experienced magicians will focus on refining the presentation for maximum impact.

What Magicians Say

VanishingIncMagic highlights the Card Rise as a visually stunning effect, emphasizing the importance of repetition and slow, deliberate movements to build wonder. They describe it as "pure magic," with the glass dome finale making the trick "impossibly rise" beyond expectations.

CardMechanic praises the visual impact of the cards, noting that lighting and presentation play a big role. They suggest a minimalist approach, letting the effect speak for itself. Their enthusiasm for the trick is clear, calling it a "game-changer" in card magic.

Both reviewers agree that the Card Rise is more than just a trick—it’s an experience designed to leave audiences in awe.

What people are saying about Card Rise

CardMechanic says...

The creator's enthusiasm for these cards is infectious. He clearly believes they represent a significant innovation in card magic, offering a fresh and visually arresting alternative to traditional decks.

VanishingIncMagic says...

The creator's belief in the magic is palpable, and he aims to instill that same belief in the audience. [...] The video encourages magicians to consider the philosophical underpinnings of their craft and to strive for a presentation that evokes genuine emotion.

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