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Charlie Miller Table Spread Force by Charlie Miller and Ryan Plunket

Created by: Charlie Miller, Ryan Plunket

The Charlie Miller Table Spread Force is a classic card force where the magician spreads cards face down on the table, allowing a spectator to say 'stop' at any point. The card they stop on is revealed to be the magician's force card (e.g., the Ace of Spades), seemingly chosen freely. This is a close-up card magic trick that relies on subtle sleight-of-hand techniques, including breaks and gravity-assisted movements, to ensure the force card is selected naturally. The trick is highly regarded for its deceptive simplicity and can be enhanced with a 'breather crimp' technique by Ryan Plunket, eliminating the need for a visible break.

Key features

  • Requires intermediate sleight-of-hand skills

  • Uses gravity and natural handling for deception

  • Can be enhanced with a 'breather crimp' for smoother execution

  • Works best with a relaxed, natural presentation

  • Ideal for close-up or table magic performances

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and natural-looking

  • Versatile for various card routines

  • Minimal setup required

  • Can be performed with or without a break

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the timing and handling

  • May be challenging for beginners

  • Relies on subtlety, so misdirection is crucial

Effect

The Charlie Miller Table Spread Force is a deceptive card force where the magician spreads cards face down on the table, allowing a spectator to say "stop" at any point. The card they stop on is revealed to be the magician's force card, despite the illusion of a free choice.

Full Details

This force requires a break above the force card in the middle of the deck. The magician spreads cards onto the table slowly, and when the spectator says "stop," the magician pushes out the force card cleanly. The index finger wraps around the front of the deck, concealing any breaks.

A refinement by Ryan Plunket uses a "breather crimp"—an upward X-shaped bend in the card above the force card—eliminating the need for a visible break. Gravity helps the crimped card slide off, revealing the force card naturally.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This force suits magicians with intermediate sleight-of-hand skills. Beginners may find it challenging, but those familiar with breaks and controlled card handling will appreciate its deceptive simplicity.

Difficulty

The Charlie Miller Table Spread Force is intermediate-level. It requires precise handling of breaks and timing. The breather crimp variation simplifies execution but still demands practice for smooth performance.

What Magicians Say

SeanDevine calls it "one of the best forces" and praises its deceptive qualities. He highlights Ryan Plunket's breather crimp as a clever improvement, stating, "It's one of the greats... underutilized and underappreciated." The force relies on gravity and natural handling, making it highly deceptive when performed well.

This force is ideal for magicians seeking a reliable, audience-tested method for forcing a card without suspicion.

What people are saying about Charlie Miller Table Spread Force

SeanDevine says...

The Charlie Miller Table Spread Force is one of the best forces in my opinion that you can do. [...] A cool touch on this force, devised by Ryan Plunket, uses a 'breather crimp' to eliminate the need for a visible break.

Tutorial videos