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Change the Cards by PigCake

Created by: PigCake

Change the Cards is a captivating close-up card magic trick that plays on the magician versus gambler plot. The magician appears to cut to random cards, initially showing Queens, then seemingly making a 'mistake' by cutting to an Ace. The trick then unfolds as the Ace transforms into the Queens, the Queens into Aces, and finally back to Queens, creating a series of surprising and amusing transformations for the audience. This trick requires a specific setup with Aces strategically placed between the Queens in the deck and utilizes a combination of sleight of hand techniques and misdirection to achieve its magical effect.

Key features

  • Variation on the magician versus gambler plot

  • Requires specific setup with Aces between Queens

  • Uses false cuts, double lifts, double undercut, Jinx Change, Elmsley Count, and Flip-Flop Change

  • Encourages embracing mistakes as moments of wonder

  • Great for practicing double lifts in front of an audience

Pros

  • Engaging and surprising transformations

  • Great practice for essential sleight of hand techniques

  • Can be adapted to suit different performance styles

  • Encourages magicians to embrace their personality and imperfections

Cons

  • Involves several advanced techniques, may not be suitable for beginners

  • Requires a specific deck setup before performing

Effect

The trick "Change the Cards" presents a playful and deceptive sequence where the magician appears to cut to random cards, initially revealing Queens. A mistake seems to occur when an Ace appears, but the magician quickly corrects it—only to reveal that the mistake was part of the trick all along. The cards transform from Queens to Aces and back again, creating a surprising and engaging routine.

Full Details

The trick follows a magician-versus-gambler plot, where the performer appears to struggle with finding the right cards before revealing a series of unexpected transformations. The routine involves:

  • A specific setup where Aces are placed between Queens in the deck.
  • False cuts to maintain the deck order while appearing to shuffle.
  • Multiple double lifts to display cards while concealing the setup.
  • Controls like the double undercut to move cards to the bottom.
  • Packet switches (Jinx Change) and transformations (Flip-Flop Change).
  • An Elmsley Count to conceal card manipulation.

PigCake describes the trick as a "sucker trick," where the audience believes the magician has made a mistake before realizing it was all part of the illusion.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is best suited for intermediate to advanced card magicians comfortable with:

  • Double lifts and false cuts.
  • Packet switches and counts (Elmsley, Jinx Change).
  • Misdirection and timing in performance.

PigCake notes that while the trick involves advanced techniques, it’s a great way to practice sleight of hand in front of an audience, even if nervous.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The trick requires proficiency in several card techniques:

  • False cuts must look convincing.
  • Double lifts must be smooth and undetectable.
  • Packet switches (Jinx Change, Flip-Flop Change) rely on timing and misdirection.
  • Elmsley Count must be executed cleanly.

PigCake acknowledges that the routine is "advanced virginity" due to the combination of moves but reassures that participants often miss small imperfections.

What Magicians Say

PigCake highlights the trick’s engaging nature, stating:

  • "This is a sucker trick—you thought that I messed up by cutting to the Queens, really I cut to the Four Aces."
  • "Participants aren't always as perceptive as magicians think... a well-presented routine can overcome minor imperfections."
  • "It's wonderful practice if you ever want to do double lifts in front of a participant but you're a little bit nervous."

The trick’s humor and presentation are key, making it a fun and deceptive routine for performers who enjoy interactive, playful magic.

What people are saying about Change the Cards

PigCake says...

This is a sucker trick you thought that I messed up by cutting to the Queens really I cut to the Four Aces but this is really what we do as vergence to practice we cut to one random card and we try our best to cut to the remaining cards but if it all goes wrong we could just fix the problem with magic.

Tutorial videos