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Cohort Switch by Daniel Madison

Created by: Daniel Madison

Cohort Switch is a sophisticated close-up card magic routine that transforms a standard deck into a powerful gambling demonstration. A spectator shuffles and deals five random cards, which are then revealed to perfectly match the historic 1997 World Series of Poker winning hand of Stu Ungar, as shown on a 'POKER LESSON' gaff card included in UNGAR Playing Cards. This effect leverages psychological control and subtle manipulation, focusing on multi-moment card switches executed during the dealing process to create an undetectable deception. Buyers should note that the method is built into every UNGAR deck and requires access to the full instructional video 'The WINNING Hand' from Daniel Madison's Patreon for learning the techniques.

Key features

  • Method integrated into UNGAR Playing Cards with a special 'POKER LESSON' gaff card

  • Teaches 'Nuance Card Switches' for subtle, multi-action card switching during spectator dealing

  • Includes various techniques like Cohort Switch, Mad Switch, and Perfect Deal

  • Utilizes the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE for secret card holding and switching

  • Framed as a gambling demonstration with a narrative on poker history and deception

Pros

  • High psychological impact with a compelling story tied to poker legend Stu Ungar

  • Multiple switch techniques taught, offering versatility for card magicians

  • Built-in method in the deck makes it accessible with purchase of UNGAR cards

Cons

  • Requires additional purchase or access to instructional video for full learning

  • Involves use of specialized tools like the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE, which may need separate acquisition

  • Advanced sleight-of-hand skills needed, not suitable for beginners

Effect

The Cohort Switch creates a powerful gambling demonstration. A participant shuffles a deck of cards and deals five cards at random. The magician then tells the story of poker legend Stu Ungar's 1997 World Series of Poker victory. The magician shows a promotional card from the deck that pictures Ungar's famous winning hand. The five cards the participant just dealt are then turned over. They are the exact same five cards from the historic poker hand. The effect is that the participant randomly dealt a legendary, pre-determined poker hand.

Full details

The Cohort Switch is part of a larger routine called The WINNING Hand. The method for this routine is built into a specific deck of playing cards. A special gaff card, which looks like a standard advertisement card, is included in the deck. This card shows Stu Ungar's actual 1997 winning hand. The routine involves secretly switching the five cards the participant deals with a pre-arranged set of five cards. This switch is performed while the participant is actively dealing the cards. The routine uses a device called the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE. This tool helps to secretly hold the necessary cards and conceal the evidence after the switch is complete.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is for magicians who want to perform a strong gambling-themed routine. It is ideal for those interested in the psychology of deception and card manipulation. Magicians who enjoy routines with a historical narrative will find this appealing. It is also suitable for performers who want to use a structured routine that includes a special deck and a supporting device.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Cohort Switch involves advanced card handling. The tutorial video is one hour long and covers multiple sleight-of-hand techniques. The method relies on performing subtle actions over several moments, not just one quick move. Daniel Madison states the switches are executed while the participant is dealing, which requires good timing and misdirection. Using the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE adds another layer to the performance that must be practiced. This routine requires a significant amount of study and practice to perform smoothly.

What magicians say

Daniel Madison presents the Cohort Switch as part of a deep study on card switches. He calls the techniques 'Nuance Card Switches'. These are switches that lack a rigid, single-moment structure. He explains they are broken into multiple, subtle actions. Madison says this makes the deception incredibly difficult to detect. He teaches several specific techniques to achieve the switch, including the Cohort Switch, Mad Switch, and Perfect Deal. Madison positions the entire project as a masterclass in the philosophy of deception. He states it is designed for magicians looking to deepen their understanding of psychological control.

What people are saying about Cohort Switch

DANIELmadison says...

The method for this routine is built into every deck of the UNGAR Playing Cards. A special, updated 'POKER LESSON' gaff card is included, which now features Stu Ungar's actual 1997 WSOP winning hand. [...] This project is less about a single trick and more about a masterclass in the philosophy and technical execution of the card switch.

Tutorial videos