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Cull And Control

Cull And Control is a deceptive close-up card magic technique that allows you to force a specific card on a spectator while appearing to handle the deck casually. To the spectator, it looks like you're simply shuffling or adjusting a borrowed, shuffled deck, but in reality, you're secretly controlling their selection to a predetermined card. This method is designed as a utility move rather than a standalone trick, making it perfect for setting up predictions, thought-of-card effects, or any routine where you need to know which card a spectator will choose. Buyers should know that this requires practice to perform naturally and is best used with strong presentation to enhance its deception.

Key features

  • Simple method requiring no difficult sleight of hand

  • Can be performed with a borrowed, shuffled deck

  • Uses a cull and control disguised as casual deck handling

  • Relies on misdirection and natural handling for deception

  • Designed as a utility move for predictions or thought-of-card effects

  • Accessible for performers of all skill levels

  • Practical alternative to more common forcing techniques

Pros

  • Highly deceptive when performed naturally

  • Works with any deck, including borrowed ones

  • Versatile for various card routines

  • Easy to learn compared to advanced sleights

Cons

  • Requires practice to avoid stiffness in performance

  • Not a standalone trick, needs integration into a routine

  • May be less effective without proper misdirection

Effect

The spectator shuffles a deck of cards. The magician then handles the deck in a casual way. The spectator is asked to think of a card. The magician reveals that the spectator has thought of the exact card the magician predicted. The effect is a direct and clean card force.

Full details

Cull And Control is a method for forcing a specific card. It uses a culling action. This action is hidden within normal deck handling. The method works with a borrowed deck. The deck can be shuffled by the spectator. No difficult sleight of hand is required. The move looks like a simple shuffle or an adjustment of the cards. The timing and hand positions are important. The goal is to make the action appear innocent. The force is not a standalone trick. It is a utility move. It sets up other effects like predictions.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is for magicians who want a practical card force. It is good for performers of all skill levels. It is useful for those who perform with borrowed decks. Magicians who do mentalism or prediction effects will find it valuable. It is a strong choice for workers who prefer direct methods.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The physical move is not difficult. It does not require advanced sleight of hand. The challenge is in the performance. The magician must practice the flow. The handling must look natural and casual. Stiffness will ruin the deception. The performer needs to use misdirection. They must direct the spectator's attention at the right moment. With practice, the move becomes a normal part of card handling.

What magicians say

PigCake loved this force. He said it is "simple yet effective" and a "practical and deceptive method." He notes it "requires no difficult sleight of hand." He recommends using it with a strong presentation. A psychological or mathematical premise works well. PigCake states the context is crucial. Performing it after a spectator shuffle "adds a significant layer of impossibility." He calls it a "highly practical tool" and a "valuable alternative" to other forces.

What people are saying about Cull And Control

PigCake says...

This is a highly practical tool for any magician's arsenal, praising its combination of simplicity and power. [...] The force is simple and requires no difficult sleight of hand, and it can be performed with a borrowed, shuffled deck.

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