Drop Card by Chris Rawlings

Created by: Chris Rawlings

Drop Card is a close-up card trick where a spectator freely selects a card, which is then lost in the deck. The deck is shuffled and spread face down on the table. The spectator eliminates cards one by one until only one remains—their chosen card. The trick relies on a specially prepared deck and emphasizes fairness, as the spectator makes all choices without guidance. It’s a hands-off, interactive routine perfect for casual performances or intimate settings.

Where to buy

Drop Card by Chris Rawlins from Monster Magic
Monster MagicDrop Card by Chris Rawlins£17.99
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Key features

  • Uses a specially prepared deck for the effect

  • Spectator makes all choices, creating a hands-off experience

  • Simple to perform with minimal sleight of hand

  • Emphasizes fairness and spectator involvement

Pros

  • Highly interactive, engaging the spectator

  • Fair and transparent method

  • Minimal sleight of hand required

  • Strong surprise moment when the chosen card is revealed

Cons

  • Requires a gimmicked deck, limiting impromptu use

  • Some may find the process of eliminating cards tedious

  • Not as versatile as other card tricks for professional gigs

Effect

The Drop Card trick creates a strong moment of surprise for the audience. A spectator freely chooses a card, which is then lost in the deck. The magician spreads the cards face down, and the spectator eliminates cards one by one until only one remains. That final card is revealed to be their original selection. The process feels fair and hands-off, making the final reveal seem impossible.

Full Details

Drop Card is a self-working trick that relies on a specially prepared deck. The spectator makes all the choices, eliminating cards until only their selected card remains. The method requires no sleight of hand, making it accessible to performers of all skill levels. The trick emphasizes fairness, as the spectator controls every step of the process.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who want a strong, hands-off effect that requires minimal technical skill. It works well for casual performances, close-up magic, or situations where the spectator enjoys being involved in the process. Those who prefer impromptu magic may find the gimmicked deck limiting, but for structured performances, it offers a reliable and baffling effect.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

Drop Card is easy to perform. The method involves no difficult moves, making it suitable for beginners. The only requirement is the ability to spread cards cleanly and guide the spectator through the elimination process. Since the trick relies on a gimmicked deck, setup is minimal, and the handling is straightforward.

What Magicians Say

Steve Faulkner notes that while Drop Card is not as groundbreaking as some of Christian Grace's other releases, it still delivers a strong effect. He says, "It's a pretty solid trick... if you like that trick, it's kind of nice, it's fun to do." However, he acknowledges that some magicians prefer impromptu methods, stating, "A very similar effect can be done with a normal deck and a bit more equivocation."

Other reviewers highlight its fairness and spectator involvement. One commenter mentions, "The process is a bit different... the spectator does all the work, which makes it feel very clean." However, some criticize the reliance on a gimmicked deck, with one magician stating, "The gimmicks don't add anything—in fact, they probably make the whole thing harder to perform."

Overall, Drop Card is praised for its strong audience reaction but receives mixed opinions on whether the gimmick is necessary compared to sleight-based alternatives.

What people are saying about Drop Card

RealMagicReview says...

The process of eliminating cards down to one feels fair, but the setup might not justify the payoff for gigging magicians.

Steve Faulkner says...

Drop Card is a solid trick—fair, interactive, and fun for casual settings. It’s not a showstopper, but the spectator’s involvement makes it memorable.

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