Doc Eason Card Under Glass by Doc Eason

Effect

The Doc Eason Card Under Glass is a classic card magic routine where a selected card mysteriously appears under a glass. The magician shows a glass to be empty, places it on the table, and after a series of magical gestures, the spectator's signed or freely chosen card is found underneath it. The effect is clean, visual, and leaves the audience with no explanation for how the card got there.

Full Details

This trick is a variation of the "Card to Impossible Location" plot, where a chosen card ends up in a place that seems impossible. The routine often involves multiple phases, building suspense before the final revelation. The glass is typically shown empty before and after the card appears, making the effect even more baffling. Some versions include additional magical moments, such as the card visually vanishing from the deck before appearing under the glass.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for magicians who perform close-up or table magic, particularly in restaurant or walk-around settings. It works well for both casual and formal performances. If you enjoy strong visual magic that doesn’t rely on complex sleight of hand, this is a great addition to your repertoire. It’s also a solid choice for those who want a reliable, repeatable effect that plays big with minimal reset.

Difficulty

The trick is moderately easy to perform, making it accessible to intermediate magicians. While some versions require basic card controls and misdirection, the method itself is straightforward once learned. The real challenge lies in presentation—selling the impossibility of the effect through pacing and audience engagement.

What Magicians Say

Steve Faulkner mentions that he has been performing variations of the Card Under Glass routine, including James Brown’s "Box Clever" and Doc Eason’s version. He notes that it plays strongly because it feels different from standard card tricks, even though it shares similarities with ambitious card routines. He emphasizes that the real power of the trick comes from the moment the card is revealed under the glass, which consistently gets strong reactions.

Other magicians appreciate the routine for its versatility—it can be performed with borrowed glasses, making it practical for real-world conditions. The method is also adaptable, allowing performers to customize the presentation to fit their style.

If you're looking for a reliable, visually striking card trick that leaves a lasting impression, the Doc Eason Card Under Glass is a strong contender.