Follow the Leader

Effect

Follow the Leader is a magic trick where cards or coins appear to follow each other in a surprising way. In card versions, two piles of cards are shown. The top card of one pile seems to make all the other cards in both piles change to match it. In coin versions, coins vanish and reappear inside a small box, following the lead of one special coin. The audience sees a clear leader and follower relationship, ending with a magical transformation or vanish.

Full details

Follow the Leader is not one single trick but a style of routine that can use cards or coins. It often combines multiple phases into one performance. For cards, it uses a prearranged stack of three sets of four-of-a-kind cards, like Aces, Kings, and Eights. A simple force lets a spectator choose where to cut the deck, though the outcome is controlled. No complex sleight of hand is needed. For coins, a brass box is used as a prop. Coins vanish and reappear inside it, with one coin acting as the leader. Techniques like palming and misdirection are used. The routine is structured to build surprise, with a stronger final phase.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is good for beginners and intermediate magicians. It is suited for those who want a routine that is easy to learn but looks professional. Card versions require no advanced sleights and use self-working principles. Coin versions need some skill in palming and sleight of hand. Performers who like interactive magic with audience participation will find this engaging. It is also good for magicians who want to combine multiple effects into one routine for a stronger performance.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The card version of Follow the Leader is not difficult. It uses self-working methods with minimal sleight of hand. Beginners can learn it with practice. The key skills are stack management and a simple force. The coin version is more challenging. It requires proficiency in coin sleights like palming and vanishes. Performance tips focus on pacing and presentation, which need rehearsal to feel natural. Overall, the card trick is low difficulty, and the coin trick is medium difficulty.

What magicians say

Matt McGurk says the card routine "delivers strong reactions without complex sleight-of-hand" and is "ideal for magicians looking to elevate their performance with minimal practice." He notes that "presentation and pacing" are important for audience engagement.

Craig Petty describes a version using aces and kings that changes places. He says the performance is "smooth and commercial" and encourages adapting routines to personal preferences.

AMillionCardTricks calls the card trick "visually striking yet simple" and notes its "minimal sleight of hand makes it accessible to beginners." They highlight the "dual-phase structure" for enhancing surprise.

BigBlindMedia, discussing the coin version, emphasizes "misdirection and audience engagement" and says "pacing and presentation are crucial elements." They note that classic techniques like palming are used.