SleightfulDestination Cards by Shin Lim
Created by: Shin Lim
Key features
Uses a gimmicked set of destination-themed cards with a unique back design.
No sleight of hand required—works automatically with the provided props.
Great for beginners and experienced magicians alike due to its self-working nature.
Compact and portable, making it easy to carry in a wallet or pocket for impromptu performances.
Comes with professional-quality props and clear instructions.
Pros
Highly visual and engaging for audiences.
Easy to perform with minimal practice.
Versatile—can be adapted for different performance styles (e.g., mentalism, card magic).
Well-made props with a professional finish.
Great for social media or quick performances.
Cons
Requires the specific gimmicked cards provided—cannot be performed with a standard deck.
Some spectators may suspect a trick deck due to the unique back design.
Limited to the destination-themed cards included—no customization options.
Effect
The Destination Cards trick is a visual and engaging effect where a spectator freely chooses a landmark card from a set of cards featuring famous destinations (such as the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, or Taj Mahal). Despite the spectator having a completely free choice, the magician reveals that the selected card is the only one with a unique back—often a different color—proving that their selection was predicted from the start.
Full Details
The Destination Cards are part of the Shin Lim Evolution U Magic Set, a collection of gimmicked props designed for magicians looking to expand their repertoire with specialized effects. The trick uses a set of cards featuring well-known landmarks, each with identical red backs—except for one, which has a black back. The spectator's chosen card is revealed to be the only one with this distinct back, creating a strong moment of surprise.
The effect is self-contained, meaning it doesn’t require additional sleight of hand or complex moves. The gimmick is well-made and blends seamlessly with the rest of the cards, making it difficult for spectators to detect any discrepancies.
Who Should Consider the Trick
This trick is ideal for:
- Intermediate magicians who want a quick, visual effect that requires minimal setup.
- Performers who engage with younger audiences, as the landmark theme is easily recognizable and engaging.
- Social media magicians, since the effect is clean, visual, and works well in short video formats.
It may not be the best choice for absolute beginners who are still mastering fundamental card handling, as some basic presentation skills are needed to maximize the effect.
Difficulty
The Destination Cards trick is easy to perform, with no advanced sleight of hand required. The method relies on the gimmick itself, making it accessible to magicians with minimal experience. However, strong presentation and audience management will enhance the impact.
What Magicians Say
Sebastian Tocamagic, who reviewed the Shin Lim Evolution U Magic Set, praised the Destination Cards effect, calling it "very good" and noting that it works well for performances. He mentioned:
"This is actually something that I do personally... I actually like the spin of the destinations. I may put this in my wallet at some point if I'm doing something for younger audiences. It works pretty well and is a pretty good trick."
He also highlighted the quality of the gimmick, stating that the production value of the props in the set was surprisingly high for a kit aimed at younger magicians.
Overall, the Destination Cards trick is a strong, self-working effect that delivers a clear and memorable moment of magic with minimal effort.
What people are saying about Destination Cards
Sebastian Tocamagic says...
I actually like the spin of the destinations... it works pretty well and is a pretty good trick. I may put this in my wallet for younger audiences.
Review videos
Evolushin Magic Set by Shin Lim - Magic Review
sebastiantoca9208 mentioned this magic trick in this video.