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Card Shark by David Stone

Created by: David Stone

Card Shark is a versatile magic trick that utilizes a gimmick designed for both red and blue decks, allowing magicians to perform over 30 different tricks. These include color changes, wrong card transformations, signed torn and restored card effects, and the signature Card Shark routine where multiple spectators shuffle portions of the deck to reveal the four aces in one move. The gimmick is compact, fitting within a standard deck of cards, and is suitable for close-up magic. It's designed to enhance a magician's perceived skill with minimal actual skill required, making it accessible to performers of all levels.

Key features

  • Includes two complete props for red and blue decks

  • Over 30 tricks and ideas can be performed with the gimmick

  • Compact design fits within a standard deck of cards

  • Enhances perceived skill level of the magician

  • Digital download with instructions and video demonstrations included

Pros

  • Highly versatile with a wide range of tricks possible

  • Compact and portable

  • Enhances the magician's perceived skill

  • Good value for the price with two props included

Cons

  • Instructional materials are poorly organized and difficult to navigate

  • Some reports of damaged shipments

  • Not suitable for repeated performances to the same audience

Effect

Card Shark is a magic trick where multiple spectators shuffle portions of a deck of cards. After the deck is reassembled, the magician instantly reveals all four aces in a single, impressive move. The effect creates the illusion of extreme skill, as if the magician has complete control over the shuffled deck.

Full Details

Card Shark is performed using a gimmick called "Tool" by David Stone. The gimmick consists of two props—one for red decks and one for blue decks—housed inside tuck cases. The setup allows for a wide range of effects, including color changes, transformations, and predictions.

The trick itself involves distributing sections of the deck to spectators, who shuffle their portions. When the deck is brought back together, the magician immediately locates all four aces. The gimmick ensures the effect is self-working, requiring minimal sleight of hand.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Card Shark is ideal for magicians who want a high-impact, easy-to-perform trick. It works well for beginners because it requires little technical skill, yet it makes the performer appear highly skilled. Experienced magicians can also use it to enhance their existing routines, adding a strong opener or closer to their sets.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The trick is rated as easy to perform. The gimmick handles most of the work, so the magician only needs to follow the basic steps. No advanced card handling is required, making it accessible to performers of all skill levels.

What Magicians Say

Magic Orthodoxy's David praised the trick, calling it "totally easy" and noting that it makes the magician "look like you've got a lot of skill." He also highlighted the versatility of the Tool gimmick, which allows for over 30 different tricks. However, he criticized the instructional materials, describing them as poorly organized. Despite this, he strongly recommended the trick for its strong visual impact and ease of use.

The gimmick itself is well-made and compact, fitting inside a standard deck of cards. Some users reported damaged shipments, but replacements were provided when needed. Overall, Card Shark is considered a worthwhile addition to a magician's repertoire.

What people are saying about Card Shark

magicorthodoxy says...

This prop can do so much so well hidden so well made so many great ideas [...] I'm going to go on record and say this is probably the worst worst setup instructions and worst download instructional video of all time.

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