Sleightful logoSleightful

Catch Me If You Can by Jason Ladanye

Created by: Jason Ladanye

Catch Me If You Can is a captivating card-to-wallet routine that blends interactive challenges with a stunning finale. The magician engages the spectator in a series of three high-stakes 'games,' building tension and excitement. Each challenge feels like a genuine contest, making the eventual reveal—where the spectator's chosen card appears in the magician's wallet—even more magical. This is a close-up card trick with strong theatrical potential, ideal for performers who enjoy audience participation and psychological tension. The routine requires intermediate to advanced sleight-of-hand skills, including faros and doubles, but the payoff is well worth the effort.

Key features

  • Interactive three-game challenge structure

  • Card-to-wallet finale

  • Requires intermediate to advanced sleight-of-hand skills

  • Strong theatrical and commercial potential

  • Engages spectators with high-stakes tension

Pros

  • Highly engaging for audiences

  • Unique twist on classic card-to-wallet

  • Builds strong psychological tension

  • Well-structured and scripted

Cons

  • Not suitable for beginners

  • Requires practice to master sleights

Effect

The trick "Catch Me If You Can" is a card-to-wallet routine with an interactive challenge. A spectator selects a card, and the magician engages them in a series of games where they try to "catch" the magician in the act of controlling the card. Despite the spectator's efforts, the card ends up impossibly inside the magician's wallet. The routine builds tension and excitement, making the final revelation even more surprising.

Full Details

The trick involves three challenge-based games between the magician and the spectator. The magician offers a playful wager (like $100) to make the stakes feel real, even though the outcome is never in doubt. The routine includes sleight of hand, misdirection, and a well-structured script to keep the audience engaged. The final moment—where the selected card appears in the wallet—is clean and visually satisfying.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for magicians who perform for live audiences, especially in close-up or parlor settings. It works well for performers who enjoy interactive, challenge-based magic and want a strong, commercial card-to-wallet effect. Since it involves sleights like doubles and faros, it’s best suited for intermediate to advanced card workers.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The trick requires proficiency in card sleights such as doubles, faros, and controlled shuffles. The scripting and audience management are also key—since the routine involves direct interaction, timing and confidence matter. While not beginner-friendly, the method is logical, and the payoff justifies the effort.

What Magicians Say

Steve Falconer from RealMagicReview praised the routine, calling it "sterling great" and highlighting its strong challenge-based structure. He noted that the tension feels real, saying, "There is a moment where you go actually he could lose this because it was quite close." He also appreciated the final card-to-wallet moment, describing it as "lovely" and reminiscent of classic card-to-wallet effects.

The routine is part of Jason Ladanye’s Live in London performance, where it stands out for its commercial appeal and engaging presentation. Falconer emphasized that while the tricks in the set use advanced sleights, they provide a good reason to master techniques like the faro shuffle.

What people are saying about Catch Me If You Can

RealMagicReview (Steve Falconer) says...

Catch Me If You Can is such a good routine—it's a card-to-wallet without being an ambitious card or anything like that. The three-game challenge builds so much tension, and there's a moment where you think, 'He could actually lose this.'

Review videos

Other videos