Card Under Box by James Brown

Created by: James Brown

The 'Card Under Box' is a classic close-up magic trick where a spectator's chosen card repeatedly appears under a card box in increasingly baffling ways. The routine starts with a simple card selection, escalates with multiple unexpected reveals, and culminates in a dramatic finale where the entire deck and box vanish, leaving only the chosen card behind. This trick is known for its visual impact and strong audience engagement, making it a favorite among magicians for real-world performances.

Key features

Multiple reveals that escalate in surprise
Strong visual finale
Requires precise timing and audience interaction
Ideal for mix-and-mingle situations
Can be adapted to include a signed card for added impact

Pros

Visually stunning and keeps the audience hooked
Engaging performance with clear explanations
Strong audience interaction
Adaptable to various settings

Cons

Some moves demand practice to perfect
Hinges on precise timing and audience interaction

Effect

The Card Under Box trick is a visually deceptive routine where a spectator's chosen card repeatedly appears under a card box in impossible ways. The magician starts by having a card selected and signed, then loses it in the deck. Despite the box being visibly empty or placed on the table the entire time, the signed card keeps reappearing underneath it. The climax often involves a dramatic vanish of the entire deck, leaving only the signed card behind.

Full Details

This trick is a classic in close-up magic, known for its strong visual impact and audience engagement. It typically involves:

A signed card for personalization.
A card box that remains in full view.
Multiple reveals, each more surprising than the last.
A final vanish or transformation that leaves spectators baffled.

Magicians like James Brown and Craig Petty have refined the routine, adding layers of misdirection and humor to enhance the effect.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Card Under Box is ideal for:

Close-up performers who want a reliable, high-impact trick.
Magicians who enjoy audience interaction and storytelling.
Those looking for a versatile routine that works in walk-around or table settings.

It suits both beginners and experienced performers, though some versions require more advanced handling.

Difficulty

The trick ranges from intermediate to advanced, depending on the handling.

Basic versions can be learned quickly with practice.
More complex routines, like James Brown's Box Clever, demand precise timing and smooth misdirection.
Craig Petty notes that while the sleights are manageable, the real challenge is making the performance feel natural.

What Magicians Say

James Brown (AlakazamMagicUK) calls it a "thousand-timer routine," praising its strong reactions in mix-and-mingle settings. His version features multiple baffling reveals and a visually stunning finale.
Craig Petty (magic-tv) loves its real-world appeal, stating it’s one of his favorite tricks due to its engaging audience interaction and humor.
Adam Dadswell (AlakazamMagicUK) includes it in his desert island picks, highlighting its reliability and adaptability.
Neil Henry (AlakazamMagicUK) lists it among his must-have tricks, valuing its deceptive simplicity.

The consensus is clear: Card Under Box is a proven, crowd-pleasing trick that rewards practice with strong audience reactions.

What people are saying about Card Under Box

Adam Dadswell says...

A 'thousand timer' routine for Adam, frequently used in mix-and-mingle situations. He favors James Brown's handling from the *Professional Opportunist* DVD.

Craig Petty says...

He demonstrates sleight of hand before revealing the real magic—the signed card appears under a box that was on the table the whole time. Craig humorously debunks common assumptions about how the trick works, adding layers of mystery.

James Brown says...

The routine starts with a simple card selection, then escalates with multiple unexpected reveals, each more baffling than the last. The grand finale features the card changing under the box while the spectator watches, followed by the entire deck and box vanishing, leaving only two cards behind.

Neil Henry says...

A deceptive classic. [...] Blending magic with emotional storytelling.