Five-for-Five Matching Trick by Peter Turner

Effect

The Five-for-Five Matching Trick is an ESP-style card trick where both the performer and the spectator have five cards each. The goal is to create a one-ahead match, making it appear as though the performer can predict or influence the spectator's choices. The effect is clean and engaging, with a logical progression that builds suspense before the final reveal.

Full Details

This trick is part of the World’s Apart project by Peter Turner and Pigcake, which explores variations of the "Out of This World" plot. The Five-for-Five Matching Trick is taught by Peter Turner and involves a structured method where the performer subtly controls the outcome to ensure a matching sequence. The spectator believes they are making free choices, but the performer maintains just enough influence to create the illusion of a perfect match.

The trick does not rely on complex sleight of hand, making it accessible to a wide range of skill levels. Instead, it uses psychological principles and a clever one-ahead strategy to achieve the effect.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

• Magicians who enjoy mentalism or ESP-themed effects.
• Performers looking for a quick, self-contained routine that can be done with minimal setup.
• Those who appreciate structured methods that don’t require advanced sleight of hand.

Difficulty

The Five-for-Five Matching Trick is rated as moderate in difficulty. While it doesn’t require advanced sleight of hand, it does involve timing, audience management, and a clear understanding of the one-ahead principle. Magicians with some experience in card magic or mentalism will find it easier to perform smoothly. Beginners may need practice to ensure the pacing feels natural.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy describes the trick as "very similar to an ESP-style trick where you have five cards, they have five cards, and they lay them down—you're always technically either one ahead or one behind." He highlights Peter Turner’s teaching as clear and effective, making the method easy to follow.

The trick is praised for its deceptive simplicity and strong audience impact. Since it’s part of a larger project focused on the "Out of This World" plot, it benefits from additional context and variations provided by Turner and Pigcake.

If you enjoy mentalism or card-based prediction effects, the Five-for-Five Matching Trick is a strong addition to your repertoire.