Convincing Control by Ed Marlo

Effect

The Convincing Control is a card sleight that allows a magician to secretly move a selected card to the bottom of the deck. To the audience, it appears as if the card is simply being shown or placed back into the middle of the deck. The move is designed to be smooth and deceptive, making it ideal for routines where the magician needs to control a card without raising suspicion.

Full Details

The Convincing Control was first published by Ed Marlo in Hof's Font (1970). It is a bottom control technique, meaning it secretly moves a card to the bottom of the deck while maintaining the illusion that it remains in the middle. The classic handling involves precise alignment and careful finger movements, but refinements by modern magicians have made it more fluid and natural-looking.

Key elements of the Convincing Control include:

• Streamlined alignment – The selected card is brought close to the card above it, reducing unnatural adjustments.
• The "secret call" – A subtle finger curl conceals the switch, making it appear as if the selected card is still visible.
• The "click" – A slight sound or tactile feedback reinforces the illusion that the card is being placed fairly.
• Back movement – A slight backward motion of the deck helps hide the switch and sets up a clean cop or palm.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Convincing Control is best suited for intermediate to advanced card magicians who want a deceptive way to control a card to the bottom of the deck. It is particularly useful for routines involving:

• Card-to-pocket effects
• Card-through-table routines
• Bottom palms or steals
• Any trick requiring a hidden card control

Difficulty

The Convincing Control requires practice to master. While the basic concept is straightforward, the subtleties—such as timing, finger positioning, and natural handling—are crucial for making the move undetectable. Magicians familiar with card sleights like the Diagonal Palm Shift or standard cop techniques will find it easier to learn.

What Magicians Say

• SeanDevine describes the Convincing Control as a "versatile tool" and prefers it over the Diagonal Palm Shift for its deceptive qualities. He emphasizes making the move look effortless and natural.
• BigBlindMedia includes the Convincing Control in Zen Magic with Iain Moran, highlighting it as an essential sleight for professional-grade card magic.
• Sebastian Toca mentions variations of the Convincing Control in his review of 52 Memories, noting its usefulness in deceptive switches and controls.

The Convincing Control is widely respected among card magicians for its deceptive potential and adaptability in various routines. With practice, it can become a reliable method for secretly controlling a card without detection.