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Drop Slight by Ed Marlo

Created by: Ed Marlo

Drop Slight is a captivating close-up card trick that revolves around a spectator's prediction. The magician invites a spectator to shuffle a deck of cards, select a card face down without looking, and place it on the table. The magician then spreads the cards face down, asking the spectator to call 'stop' at any point. The climax reveals that if the spectator's chosen card is, for example, the 10 of Clubs, the card they stopped on must be the 10 of Spades. This trick can be performed with or without a marked deck, offering flexibility in performance conditions. It's a blend of prediction and card magic, suitable for intimate settings where the magician can engage directly with the audience.

Key features

  • Can be performed with or without a marked deck, though a marked deck (like the Garrett Thomas GT Speed Reader) enhances the effect.

  • Utilizes a self-working control and a Running Crosscut Force inspired by Ed Marlo's Drop Slight.

  • Emphasizes natural and justified actions to maintain the illusion of fairness.

  • Performance tips include motivation, casual handling, and justification for actions to enhance believability.

Pros

  • Highly flexible in terms of performance conditions.

  • Engages the spectator directly, making the magic more personal and impactful.

  • Encourages creative adaptation and personalization by the performer.

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the Running Crosscut Force and maintain a natural flow.

  • Without a marked deck, the trick may lose some of its cleanliness and impact.

Effect

The Drop Slight creates a surprising prediction effect. A spectator shuffles a deck and freely selects a card face down. The magician spreads the cards and asks the spectator to call "stop" at any point. The magician then reveals that if the spectator's chosen card is, for example, the 10 of Clubs, the card they stopped on must be the 10 of Spades. The trick appears fair and unforced, making the final revelation feel impossible.

Full Details

The Drop Slight is a card control and force technique inspired by Ed Marlo. It allows the magician to secretly position a card in a way that seems natural during a casual spread. The method involves:

  • A marked deck (such as the Garrett Thomas GT Speed Reader) can be used to identify the spectator’s selection, though the trick can also be performed without one.
  • A self-working control positions the mate of the spectator’s card second from the bottom of the deck.
  • The Running Crosscut Force, a variation of Marlo’s original Drop Slight, is used to force the desired card in a way that appears fair.

The handling is designed to look impromptu, with natural movements and justified actions to avoid suspicion.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Drop Slight is ideal for magicians who:

  • Enjoy self-working or semi-automatic card techniques.
  • Want a strong prediction effect with minimal sleight of hand.
  • Appreciate subtlety and natural handling in card magic.
  • Are comfortable using a marked deck (though it’s optional).

Difficulty

The Drop Slight is moderate in difficulty. While the core mechanics are self-working, the performance relies on smooth handling and convincing justification of actions. Key challenges include:

  • Timing – The spread and force must look natural.
  • Casual misdirection – The spectator should never suspect a force is happening.
  • Marked deck familiarity (if used) – Quickly identifying the spectator’s card requires practice.

Magicians with experience in card controls and forces will find this easier to master.

What Magicians Say

SeanDevine, who developed the Running Crosscut Force variation, emphasizes the importance of natural handling and motivation in the performance. He says:

"The routine should appear impromptu and relaxed, masking the underlying mechanics... Always provide a reason for any action, such as picking up or spreading cards."

He also highlights the value of studying magic literature for inspiration, stating:

"Read every magic book you can get your hands on... Even if you don’t like the trick, there’s usually at least one good idea or principle you can use."

The Drop Slight is praised for its fair appearance and strong magical payoff, making it a worthwhile addition to a magician’s repertoire.

What people are saying about Drop Slight

SeanDevine says...

The best advice that I could give somebody who wants to create Magic is to read every magic book that you can get your hands on [...] you might come across a little gem or a nugget of gold or an idea or a principle you can apply to different things.

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