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Cards Do The Trick For You by PigCake

Created by: PigCake

In 'Cards Do The Trick For You,' the magician invites a spectator to select a card at random and lose it in the deck. Without knowing the chosen card, the magician reveals it through a playful and seemingly impossible method: the cards themselves 'communicate' the selection. Using two 'opposite day' cards—one indicating the opposite color and the other hinting at the suit—the magician deduces the spectator's card. The trick culminates in a surprising reveal, often enhanced by misdirection, banter, or even a visual transformation (e.g., rubbing the two clue cards to 'melt' them into the chosen card). This is a close-up card trick that emphasizes entertainment, improvisation, and minimal sleight of hand, making it accessible for beginners while offering room for advanced performers to add flair.

Key features

  • Relies on a peek and a switch rather than complex sleight of hand

  • Uses 'opposite day' cards to reveal the chosen card

  • Emphasizes misdirection and audience engagement

  • Includes performance tips for showmanship and improvisation

  • No setup required—works with any shuffled deck

Pros

  • Easy to learn for beginners

  • Highly entertaining with room for creative presentation

  • No gimmicks or pre-arranged decks needed

  • Encourages improvisation and audience interaction

Cons

  • Requires confidence in misdirection and banter

  • May need practice to smoothly execute the top change

Effect

The trick "Cards Do The Trick For You" creates the illusion that the deck itself reveals a spectator's chosen card. A spectator selects a card, loses it in the deck, and the magician claims the cards will identify it. The magician draws two random cards, explaining that one indicates the opposite color of the selection while the other hints at the suit. Through playful misdirection, the chosen card is revealed as if the deck itself provided the answer.

Full Details

The trick relies on a peek and a switch. The magician controls the spectator's card to the top of the deck and secretly peeks at it using a method like the Mahatma Control/Peak. Two random cards are then drawn, with the magician claiming they reveal information about the selection. The first card supposedly indicates the opposite color, while the second hints at the suit. A top change is used to secretly replace these two cards with the spectator's selection.

Misdirection and banter play a key role in hiding the switch. The magician can enhance the effect by combining the two cards in a theatrical reveal, such as rubbing them together to "transform" them into the chosen card.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who enjoy interactive, comedic performances. It works well for those comfortable with basic card controls and switches. Since it relies more on presentation than advanced sleight of hand, it is accessible to beginners but can be elevated with practiced flourishes and showmanship.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level is moderate. The trick requires proficiency in a few key techniques:

  • Controlling a card to the top (e.g., Mahatma Control/Peak).
  • Executing a top change for the switch.
  • Maintaining smooth misdirection and engaging banter.

While the mechanics are not overly complex, the performance relies on timing and audience management.

What Magicians Say

PigCake describes the trick as "just a peek and a switch and you're good to go." He emphasizes the importance of misdirection, drawing inspiration from David Williamson's style. He also highlights the trick's potential for improvisation, calling it a "good opportunity to practice your improv."

The method is straightforward, but the entertainment value comes from the presentation. PigCake suggests using the trick to showcase flourishes and handling skills, making it a fun addition to a magician's repertoire.

The trick is impromptu, requiring no setup, which makes it versatile for casual performances. PigCake also mentions variations, such as a "rubby bit" where the two cards appear to merge into the chosen card, adding a visual element to the reveal.

What people are saying about Cards Do The Trick For You

PigCake says...

The trick relies on a peek and a switch, making it accessible even for those relatively new to card magic. [...] It's a good opportunity to practice your improv if you're one of these losers that pays for improv comedy.

Tutorial videos