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Color Separation by Matt McGurk

Created by: Matt McGurk

Color Separation is a close-up card magic routine that combines three classic effects into one seamless performance. Spectators witness a deck of cards magically separate by color, followed by an oil and water sequence where red and black cards mix and unmix, culminating in a follow-the-leader style revelation where a selected card is found. This impromptu trick requires no setup and uses self-working principles like the Bob Hummer approach and Charlier shuffle, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate performers seeking a professional, baffling effect with strong audience reactions.

Key features

  • Combines three self-working card tricks into one routine

  • No setup required, fully impromptu

  • Uses techniques like Charlier shuffle and Bob Hummer's principle

  • Focuses on presentation and pacing for maximum impact

  • Ideal for beginners with minimal practice needed

Pros

  • Accessible for beginners with no advanced sleight-of-hand

  • Produces strong visual and baffling results

  • Includes performance tips for natural handling and audience engagement

Cons

  • May be too basic for advanced magicians seeking complex effects

Effect

Color Separation is a card trick that creates a strong visual impact. The magician shows a deck of cards that appears to be thoroughly mixed. With a few simple actions, the magician causes the red cards and black cards to separate completely. The deck visibly sorts itself into two distinct groups, one red and one black, without any apparent effort from the performer.

Full details

This trick is part of a routine that combines three self-working card effects. It uses mathematical principles and simple shuffling techniques to achieve the result. The method requires no setup and can be done with any borrowed deck. The trick relies on the Bob Hummer principle for its mathematical certainty. Performers use techniques like the Charlier shuffle to maintain the illusion of a random mix. The handling is designed to be clean and visual, making the separation of colors appear instantaneous and magical.

Who should consider the trick

Color Separation is ideal for beginners and intermediate magicians. It suits performers who want strong visual magic without complex moves. This trick works well for those who perform impromptu or with borrowed decks. It is also good for magicians who enjoy mathematical principles and self-working effects. If you want a trick that requires minimal practice but delivers maximum impact, this is a strong choice.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is not difficult to perform. It uses self-working methods that require no advanced sleight of-hand. Basic card handling skills are sufficient. The most important aspect is practicing the shuffling and pacing until it feels natural. Matt McGurk states that the routine is accessible and designed for minimal practice. The focus is on presentation rather than complex mechanics.

What magicians say

Matt McGurk recommends this trick for its impromptu nature and strong audience reactions. He says the routine is entirely self-working and requires no setup. McGurk emphasizes that the combination of effects creates a sense of progression and climax. He advises performers to focus on presentation and pacing to maximize impact. The handling is designed to be natural, allowing the magician to engage with the audience.

What people are saying about Color Separation

Matt McGurk says...

This routine is praised for being entirely impromptu and requiring no advanced sleights, making it ideal for magicians looking to elevate their performance with minimal practice. [...] The combination of multiple effects into one flow allows for a strong sense of progression and climax.

Tutorial videos