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Deadline by Yannick Barth

Created by: Yannick Barth

Deadline by Yannick Barth is a modern twist on the classic Triumph card trick, incorporating a spectator's phone stopwatch for a unique and engaging experience. The effect involves a spectator timing themselves sorting a small packet of cards, followed by the magician shuffling the entire deck face up and face down. Miraculously, the deck reorders itself except for three cards that match the exact time recorded on the spectator's phone. This trick is versatile, suitable for close-up, parlour, and stage performances, and can be performed with a borrowed deck and phone, making it highly practical. The download includes three distinct routines catering to different skill levels and preferences.

Where to buy

Deadline from Ellusionist
EllusionistDeadline$18.70
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Key features

  • Reimagines the classic Triumph effect with a modern twist

  • Uses a spectator's phone stopwatch for a unique prediction

  • Three distinct routines included: beginner-friendly, gimmick deck, and standard Triumph handling

  • Can be performed anywhere with a borrowed deck and phone

  • 360-degree angles and instant reset

  • Device-agnostic, works with both Android and iOS

Pros

  • Highly practical and versatile for various performance settings

  • Engages the spectator with their own phone, adding a personal touch

  • Clean angles and instant reset make it performer-friendly

  • Potential for additional hits when the prediction aligns with personal details

Cons

  • Price point may be considered steep for a download

  • Gimmick deck version requires additional purchase and lacks inspectability

Effect

Deadline by Yannick Barth is a modern take on the classic Triumph effect. A spectator uses their phone’s stopwatch to time themselves straightening a small packet of mixed face-up and face-down cards. The magician then shuffles the entire deck face-up and face-down, seemingly at random. When the deck is spread, all cards appear to have magically corrected themselves—except for three. These three cards match the exact time (in seconds and milliseconds) recorded on the spectator’s phone. The result is a clean, impossible prediction with no forces, apps, or pre-show setup.

Full Details

Deadline is a digital download that includes approximately 90 minutes of video instruction. It teaches three distinct routines:

  • Beginner-Friendly Version – Uses a simple Triumph handling with a borrowed deck and phone.
  • Gimmick Deck Version – Requires a specialized deck for a hands-off approach, though reviewers note this limits inspectability.
  • Standard Triumph Handling – Adaptable to various Triumph methods (e.g., Victor P’s Triumph), allowing customization based on skill level.

    • The trick works with any deck (borrowed or gimmicked) and any phone (Android or iOS). No apps or forced timings are involved—the spectator’s stopwatch generates a random time, making the reveal feel organic. Angles are 360-degree clean, and the reset is instant, especially with the borrowed deck version.

    Who Should Consider the Trick

    • Close-up and walkaround magicians – The impromptu version requires only a borrowed deck and phone.
    • Performers who like interactive magic – The spectator’s involvement in timing the shuffle adds engagement.
    • Fans of Triumph effects – This offers a fresh twist with a built-in prediction element.
    • Beginners to intermediate magicians – The beginner-friendly handling is easy to learn, while advanced performers can integrate their preferred Triumph techniques.

    Difficulty

    The difficulty varies by version:

    • Beginner-Friendly Routine – Simple handling, ideal for newcomers.
    • Gimmick Deck Version – Mechanically easy but requires a specialized deck.
    • Standard Triumph Handling – Intermediate, depending on the chosen method (e.g., Victor P’s Triumph is manageable, while others may be more complex).

    Most reviewers recommend the impromptu version for its practicality and minimal sleight-of-hand requirements.

    What Magicians Say

    • Sebastian Tocamagic (9/10): Praises the borrowed deck version for its spontaneity and strong impact but finds the gimmick deck unnecessary. He notes, "The magic of performing a seemingly impossible feat with everyday objects is what makes this special."
    • Magic Orthodoxy (No negatives): Calls it a "solid trick" with clean angles and versatility, suggesting it could even work with a billet instead of a phone.
    • Ellusionist (Promotional): Highlights the randomness of the time and the visual appeal, calling it "Triumph’s long-lost brother."

    Reviewers agree that Deadline is a strong, practical effect with broad appeal, though some debate the value of the gimmick deck version. The impromptu handling is the most recommended for its simplicity and deceptive power.

    What people are saying about Deadline

    ellusionist says...

    if I could only perform one car trick for the rest of my life I choose deadline [...] The cards unshuffle themselves the whole deck is back in order except three cards and just imagine every single card in the deck turning over genuinely try and imagine that every car turns over.

    magicorthodoxy says...

    David enthusiastically recommends 'Deadline,' calling it a 'solid trick' with a unique and engaging premise. He appreciates the routine's clever use of a spectator's phone and its ability to create a sense of wonder without relying on complex technology.

    sebastiantoca9208 says...

    Despite the price concern, Sebastian ultimately gives *Deadline* a **9 out of 10**. He appreciates the well-produced video, the adaptability of the routines, and the potential for surprising moments when the prediction aligns with a spectator's personal details.

    Review videos

    Promotional videos

    Tutorial videos