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Controls by Andrew Frost

Created by: Andrew Frost

Controls is a comprehensive card magic course focused on intermediate-level techniques for controlling cards within a deck. This close-up magic resource teaches various methods to secretly manipulate a spectator's chosen card to a desired position, enabling powerful routines where cards appear to move magically. The course covers multiple control techniques including table-based controls, peeks, and subtle handling methods that work with any standard deck. Buyers should know this is not for beginners but rather for magicians with some card handling experience looking to refine their control work for seated performances.

Key features

  • Intermediate-level course requiring prior card handling knowledge

  • Focuses on table magic with seated performances

  • Uses normal decks with no gimmicks required

  • Teaches multiple control variations and techniques

  • Includes nearly four hours of instructional content

  • Covers related techniques like forces, double lifts, and palming

  • Emphasizes instant resets for practical performance

Pros

  • High-quality instruction with innovative variations on classic techniques

  • Practical routines that are generally inspectable with normal decks

  • Comprehensive coverage of control methods and related techniques

  • Teaches world-class peeks and controls as part of the methodology

  • Focus on fairness in card selection processes

Cons

  • Primarily designed for table magic, limiting standing performance applications

  • Price point may be considered high by some buyers

  • Requires intermediate skill level, not suitable for beginners

Effect

The spectator selects a card. The magician then controls the chosen card to a specific position in the deck, such as the top or bottom, without the spectator's knowledge. This allows the magician to later reveal the card in a surprising way. The control happens invisibly, making the card's movement seem impossible.

Full details

Controls are a category of sleight of hand techniques in card magic. They are used to secretly move a chosen card to a known location after it has been returned to the deck. This is a fundamental skill for many card tricks. A control allows the magician to know where the card is at all times, enabling predictions, transformations, or other reveals. Methods vary and can include shuffles, cuts, and palms. As noted in reviews, some controls are designed to be used while seated at a table. Others can be performed in any setting. A good control looks like fair mixing of the deck.

Who should consider the trick

Magicians who work with cards should learn controls. They are essential for building routines. Intermediate magicians will find value in learning advanced variations. The reviewer Sebastian states that "Card Magic Mastery" is for intermediate-level magicians looking to refine their skills. Controls are also important for performers who create content for social media, where clean and visual effects are key. Jack Tighe's Rising Card routine, which relies on controls, is noted as being impromptu and suitable for any deck.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty of controls varies. Basic controls can be learned by beginners with practice. More advanced controls require greater skill and dexterity. The reviewer Sebastian describes some controls in the course as "incredible," indicating they involve sophisticated handling. Performance in a seated, table-based environment can make certain controls easier to execute. Mastery involves making the control look natural and undetectable. Consistent practice is required to perform controls smoothly under performance conditions.

What magicians say

Reviewers highlight the importance of controls for practical magic. Sebastian, reviewing "Card Magic Mastery," says the course teaches several "incredible" controls. He notes these are best for table magic but valuable for all performers. Big Blind Media, in promoting the "Essential Card Magic Toolbox," lists controls as a core technique for building a foundation. In the tutorial for Jack Tighe's Rising Card, Big Blind Media emphasizes Tighe's "world-class use of peeks and controls," stating that learning these techniques is valuable by itself. They also note that controls are key for fast-paced, visual magic designed for social media platforms.

What people are saying about Controls

BigBlindMedia says...

The tutorial features in-depth teaching on Jack's world-class use of peeks and controls. [...] Tighe stresses the importance of fairness in the card selection process.

sebastiantoca9208 says...

The Crosscut force variation is particularly impressive. [...] The course is best suited for table magic with routines that require instant resets and are generally inspectable.

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