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Ethereal Card by David Alnwick and Ken Dyne

Created by: David Alnwick, Ken Dyne

The 'Ethereal Card' is a virtual mentalism card trick designed for online performances. Spectators use their own deck of cards at home, shuffle them, and select a packet of cards. Behind their back, they turn one card face up in the deck. Miraculously, the face-up card matches their freely chosen card, creating a baffling and interactive experience for remote audiences. This trick is perfect for magicians looking to engage viewers in virtual settings with minimal setup.

Key features

  • Designed for virtual performances (e.g., Zoom)

  • Uses the spectator's own deck of cards

  • No gimmicks or difficult sleights required

  • Highly interactive and engaging for remote audiences

  • Beginner-friendly with professional appeal

Pros

  • Simple method with no complex moves

  • Works with any deck of cards

  • Great for online magic performances

  • Highly interactive for spectators

  • Affordable and practical for professionals

Cons

  • Procedural-heavy, which may not appeal to everyone

  • Limited to virtual settings

Effect

The Ethereal Card is a magic trick designed for virtual performances. A spectator uses their own deck of cards at home. They shuffle the deck, select a packet of cards, and turn one card face up while the rest remain face down—all done behind their back. Despite the random nature of the selection, the one face-up card mysteriously matches the spectator's freely chosen card. The effect is clean and baffling, especially since the entire process happens out of the performer's direct control.

Full details

Ethereal Card is part of the Fringe Mentalism download by David Alnwick, presented by Ken Dyne. The trick requires no gimmicks—just a standard deck of cards. The method is simple, relying on a clever principle rather than complex sleight of hand. The routine is well-suited for online performances, making it a practical choice for magicians adapting to virtual shows.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Magicians who perform online or over video calls.
  • Mentalists looking for a clean, self-working card effect.
  • Beginners, since the method is straightforward.
  • Professionals who want a quick, reliable routine for virtual settings.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Ethereal Card is beginner-friendly. There are no difficult moves or advanced techniques required. The trick relies on a simple but effective principle, making it accessible even to those new to card magic. The most challenging aspect may be guiding the spectator clearly through the steps, but the instructions provided in the download help with scripting and performance tips.

What magicians say

FiddlinJonny, who reviewed Fringe Mentalism, described Ethereal Card as a strong effect for virtual performances, though he noted that it can feel "procedural heavy" for some tastes. He praised the overall release for its professional quality and adaptability, calling it "the best download I've purchased so far this year." The simplicity of the method allows performers to focus on presentation rather than complex mechanics.

Ethereal Card is a solid choice for magicians looking for a reliable, easy-to-perform trick that works well in digital settings. If you perform online and want a clean, baffling card effect, this is worth considering.

What people are saying about Ethereal Card

fiddlinjonny says...

The 'Ethereal Card' is a great demonstration for virtual performances, where spectators turn a card face up behind their back, and it miraculously matches their chosen card. [...] The methods are ridiculously simple, making it accessible for beginners but still impactful for professionals.

Review videos