Extractor by Peter Nardi

Created by: Peter Nardi

The 'Extractor' is a powerful close-up card trick where a spectator signs a card, loses it in the deck, and the magician reveals it in an impossible location (e.g., inside a sealed envelope, wallet, or another deck). This trick blends prediction, deck control, and impossible location for a stunning visual surprise. It's ideal for walk-around, parlour, or stage performances, offering a reputation-making moment. Buyers should note it requires practice for timing and handling but delivers strong audience reactions.

Key features

Versatile utility for card magic
Allows for multiple presentations (e.g., signed card in wallet, prediction)
Works with any deck after setup
Strong visual and psychological impact
Suitable for close-up, parlour, or stage

Pros

Highly deceptive and fooling
Clean handling with minimal sleight of hand
Multiple performance options
Strong audience reactions
Durable and reusable gimmick

Cons

Requires precise timing and handling
Initial setup needed for the gimmicked deck
Not entirely impromptu (requires preparation)

Effect

The Extractor is a highly deceptive card trick where a spectator selects and signs a card, which is then lost in the deck. The magician introduces a second deck, often in a different color, where all cards are in order except for one face-down card with a contrasting back. When revealed, this card is the spectator’s signed selection, creating a stunning visual surprise. The trick blends prediction and deck control for a powerful, impossible effect.

Full details

The Extractor involves a specially prepared deck and a clever method that allows the magician to switch decks seamlessly while the spectator is distracted. The signed card is secretly extracted from the original deck and placed in the second deck, which is then shown to the audience. The trick is designed to be performed with minimal handling, making it appear effortless. The second deck is often in a different color (e.g., blue backs if the original deck has red backs), adding to the visual impact. The method ensures the spectator’s card is the only one face-down in the second deck, with no suspicious movements or sleights.

Who should consider the trick

The Extractor is ideal for magicians who perform close-up or parlor magic and want a strong, self-working effect with minimal setup. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy card magic but prefer tricks that don’t rely on complex sleight of hand. Performers who value clean, visual magic with a strong psychological impact will find this trick highly effective. It’s also a great choice for those who want a reliable, repeatable effect that can be performed in various settings, from casual gatherings to professional gigs.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Extractor is relatively easy to perform, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The method relies more on the gimmicked deck and proper timing than on advanced sleight of hand. However, mastering the presentation and misdirection is key to maximizing the trick’s impact. The difficulty lies in the smooth handling of the deck switch and maintaining a natural flow during the performance. With practice, even beginners can achieve stunning results.

What magicians say

AlakazamMagicUK: "The Extractor is a reputation maker. It’s so clean and impossible, and the reactions are always jaw-dropping."
Craig Petty: "I’ve been using the Extractor for years, and it’s one of the best card utilities ever created. The method is ingenious, and the reactions are unbeatable."
David Jonathan: "The Extractor is a heavy hitter. The moment the spectator sees their signed card in the second deck is pure magic."
Steve Rowe: "It’s one of those tricks that gets better the more you perform it. The method is so clever, and the audience never sees it coming."
Phill Evans: "The Extractor is a staple in my set. It’s one of the few tricks that consistently fools both laypeople and magicians."

The Extractor is widely praised for its simplicity, visual impact, and foolproof method, making it a must-have for any magician’s repertoire.

What people are saying about Extractor

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The extractor makes everything so clean. Plenty of business to be had in the presentation, and it can be performed stage, parlor, and close-up. It's a killer trick.

David Jonathan says...

The extractor is ingenious. It's one of those utilities every magician should own—versatile, deceptive, and downright magical.

magic-tv says...

The 'Extractor' is one of the best card utilities ever created. It allows you to steal a card invisibly, making routines look impossible.

Phill Evans says...

The extractor is such a great tool. I build it into different decks for corporate gigs, and the reactions are always amazing.

Steve Rowe says...

Using the extractor with destination box, you're not going to get any cleaner or stronger than that as a routine. It's a reputation maker.