Controlled Deals by Daniel Madison

Effect

The Controlled Deals trick creates the illusion of a fair poker demonstration where every hand, from a low card to a Royal Flush, appears in perfect order from a shuffled deck. The magician appears to have expert control over the cards, dealing hands convincingly while maintaining the deck's order. The routine includes a strong finish where the spectator ends up holding the exact red Aces they chose earlier, reinforcing the idea of inevitability.

Full Details

The trick relies on false shuffles, controlled deals, and psychological subtleties to maintain the illusion of fairness. While originally designed to work with the Poker Lesson Gaff Card, Daniel Madison explains that the routine can be performed without it. The structure of the trick is key, with careful pacing and spectator interaction making the sequence of hands feel natural.

A notable feature is the kicker ending, where the spectator holds the red Aces they selected earlier. This adds a strong magical moment to what initially appears as a gambling demonstration. The routine is framed as a poker lesson, which helps justify the sequential reveal of hands.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy gambling demonstrations and card table artifice. It works well in both close-up and table settings, making it versatile for different performance environments. Those who appreciate structured routines with strong psychological elements will find this particularly engaging.

Difficulty

The routine is described as self-working with minimal sleight-heavy moments. The focus is on false shuffles, controlled deals, and misdirection rather than complex sleights. However, proper pacing and presentation are crucial to sell the illusion. Magicians comfortable with basic card control techniques will find this manageable, while those new to gambling demos may need practice to perfect the timing.

What Magicians Say

Daniel Madison emphasizes the importance of pacing and table talk to make the routine convincing. He highlights the power of letting the spectator handle the deck, which makes the finale feel more organic. According to Madison, the real value lies in the routine’s structure and the misdirection techniques rather than relying on the gaff card.

The routine is praised for blending gambling demos with magical pacing, making it a strong addition for performers who enjoy deceptive card work. Madison’s teaching focuses on the why behind each move, helping magicians understand the psychological aspects of the performance.

For those interested in gambling-themed magic, Controlled Deals offers a compelling and structured routine with a strong magical finish.