Credit Card Cutting Routine by Simon Lipkin

Effect

The Credit Card Cutting Routine is a deceptive mentalism effect where a spectator's credit card is mixed with several dummy PVC cards that feel identical. The spectator places their card into an envelope along with the dummy cards, shuffles them, and the performer attempts to identify which envelope contains the real credit card. One by one, the performer eliminates the dummy cards by "sensing" they are not the correct one, eventually leaving only the spectator's actual credit card untouched. The effect is clean, interactive, and leaves the audience wondering how the performer could possibly know which card was real.

Full Details

The routine uses a simple but clever marking system called Set the Bar, which allows the performer to track the spectator's credit card among the dummy cards. The method is easy to execute and requires minimal setup—just a few envelopes, dummy PVC cards (which feel like real credit cards), and scissors for presentation. The spectator does all the mixing, making the effect seem completely fair. The routine is best suited for close-up or parlor settings where the performer can engage with the audience directly.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for mentalists and magicians who want a commercial, interactive effect that plays well in paid gigs or structured performances. It works particularly well in close-up or parlor shows where spectators can participate directly. Since it requires some preparation (dummy cards, envelopes), it may not be the best choice for purely impromptu situations. However, for performers who regularly work in settings where they can carry small props, this routine is highly practical.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Credit Card Cutting Routine is rated as easy to perform. The method relies on a straightforward marking system that requires no advanced sleight of hand. The boldness of the method makes it deceptive, but the actual execution is simple. As reviewer Sebastian Tocamagic notes, "The method is so incredibly out there and so easy that it just flies over people's radars." The hardest part may be maintaining a convincing presentation, but the mechanics themselves are accessible to most performers.

What Magicians Say

Sebastian Tocamagic, who reviewed Simon Lipkin's TriHarder download (which includes this routine), praised the Credit Card Cutting Routine as one of the strongest effects in the set. He called it "very very good" and mentioned that it would "play huge in a small parlor setting." He also highlighted the deceptive nature of the Set the Bar marking system, calling it "incredibly deceptive" and something he plans to use in future performances.

Overall, the routine is well-regarded for its simplicity, strong audience impact, and practicality in structured performances. If you're looking for a mentalism effect that is easy to learn but leaves a strong impression, this routine is worth considering.