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Clock Trick

The Clock Trick is a classic impromptu card trick that can be performed with any deck and requires no setup, making it ideal for close-up or casual settings. In this effect, the magician guides a spectator through a process where cards are dealt into piles corresponding to the numbers on a clock face (1 through 12). The spectator makes free choices that seem to eliminate possibilities, but ultimately, one card remains—revealing the very card they were thinking of or selected earlier. This self-working trick relies on a mathematical principle, allowing the performer to focus on presentation and storytelling, often themed around concepts like time or fate. Buyers should note that it's easy to learn, suitable for beginners, and emphasizes clear instructions and audience engagement.

Key features

  • Self-working and requires no setup

  • Can be performed with any deck of cards

  • Based on a mathematical principle for reliability

  • Ideal for beginners due to ease of learning

  • Allows focus on presentation and audience interaction

  • Impromptu and can be done anytime, anywhere

Pros

  • No setup needed, making it highly versatile

  • Easy to learn and perform, great for novice magicians

  • Consistently deceptive and surprising for audiences

  • Encourages strong presentation skills and storytelling

Cons

  • Relies on a mathematical process, which might feel procedural if not presented well

  • May not suit performers who prefer tricks with more sleight of hand

Effect

The Clock Trick creates a strong magical moment where a spectator's freely chosen card is revealed against all odds. The magician uses a standard deck with no preparation. The spectator names a number on a clock face. The magician deals cards into piles based on the clock numbers. Through a series of choices, the spectator eliminates piles one by one. Despite the process seeming completely fair and random, the final card remaining is always the spectator's selected card.

Full details

The Clock Trick is a self-working card trick. It uses a mathematical principle to guarantee the outcome. The magician needs no special deck or setup. The trick works with any borrowed or regular deck. The method involves dealing cards into twelve piles, each representing an hour on a clock. The spectator makes choices that guide the elimination process. The trick always ends with the revelation of the chosen card. The procedure is fixed and requires no sleight of hand.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits beginners and experienced magicians. It is ideal for performers who want a reliable impromptu effect. It works well for close-up or informal settings. Magicians who prefer self-working tricks will find it valuable. It is also good for those who focus on presentation and storytelling.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Clock Trick is easy to learn. It has no difficult moves or sleights. The method is procedural and based on simple mathematics. Performers must remember the dealing pattern and follow the steps correctly. The challenge lies in delivering clear instructions and maintaining engaging presentation. Practice is needed to make the dealing look natural and effortless.

What magicians say

MattMcGurk calls the Clock Trick "a perfect impromptu effect for beginners." He notes it is "one of the best card tricks to have in your arsenal due to its simplicity and powerful impact." He highlights that it is "entirely mathematical and procedural," allowing the magician to "focus entirely on presentation and audience management." He advises maintaining "strong eye contact" and building "a narrative, perhaps framing it around the idea of time, fate, or a puzzle." He describes it as "an excellent choice for magicians looking for a reliable, anytime, any-deck trick that consistently fools and delights audiences."

What people are saying about Clock Trick

MattMcGurk says...

The Clock Trick is a perfect impromptu effect for beginners that requires no setup and can be performed with any deck. [...] It is entirely mathematical and procedural, relying on the spectator's own actions to guide the trick to its surprising conclusion.

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