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Follow The Leader by James Swain and Joshua Jay

Created by: James Swain, Joshua Jay

Follow The Leader is a versatile magic trick that can be performed with cards or coins, offering a blend of visual appeal and audience engagement. The card version involves a dynamic interaction where two piles of cards seemingly follow each other's lead, transforming into matching sets, perfect for close-up or parlour magic. The coin version utilizes a small brass box and a rare Ming Dynasty coin, focusing on vanishes and reappearances, ideal for stage or close-up performances. Both versions emphasize misdirection, audience interaction, and a clear leader-follower dynamic, making them commercial and adaptable to various performance styles.

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The Vault - Follow the Leader by Juan Tamariz video DOWNLOAD from Alakazam Magic
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Key features

  • Combines two routines for a stronger performance

  • Involves aces and kings changing places or coins vanishing and reappearing

  • Requires minimal setup: a table for the card version, a small brass box for the coin version

  • Emphasizes misdirection and audience engagement

  • Adaptable to personal preferences and audience reactions

  • Suitable for beginners with minimal sleight of hand required

Pros

  • Engaging and interactive performance

  • Strong visual and surprise elements

  • Commercial and adaptable to various performance styles

  • Minimal sleight of hand makes it accessible to beginners

  • Clear leader-follower dynamic enhances the trick's appeal

Cons

  • Requires preparation with specific cards or coins

  • May need practice to master pacing and presentation

  • The coin version involves a rare prop (Ming Dynasty coin) which may not be readily available

Effect

The trick Follow The Leader creates a visual and interactive experience where cards or coins appear to follow a leader, changing places or vanishing in unexpected ways. In card versions, two piles of cards transform to match each other, while coin routines use a small brass box to make coins vanish and reappear. The effect is engaging and relies on misdirection, making it entertaining for audiences.

Full Details

The trick varies depending on the version performed.

  • Card Version: Uses three sets of four-of-a-kind (e.g., Aces, Kings, Eights) in a prearranged stack. The spectator appears to choose cards freely, but the magician controls the outcome, making the top cards "lead" the rest into matching sets. A simplified riffle force helps beginners execute the trick smoothly.
  • Coin Version: Involves four coins (three half dollars and a rare Ming Dynasty coin) and a small brass box. Coins vanish and reappear inside the box, with the final reveal surprising the audience. Classic techniques like palming and misdirection play a key role.

Some performers combine phases from different sources, such as James Swain’s 21st Century Card Magic and Joshua Jay’s All About Tricks DVD, to create a stronger routine.

Who Should Consider the Trick

  • Beginners: The card version requires minimal sleight of hand, making it accessible.
  • Intermediate Magicians: The coin version involves palming and misdirection, suitable for those with some experience.
  • Performers Who Like Interaction: Both versions encourage audience participation, making them ideal for engaging spectators.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

  • Card Version: Easy to moderate. The stack setup and simplified force make it beginner-friendly, but smooth execution requires practice.
  • Coin Version: Moderate to advanced. Palming and timing are crucial, so experience with coin magic helps.

What Magicians Say

  • magic-tv highlights the adaptability of the trick, combining phases from different sources for a stronger performance.
  • BigBlindMedia emphasizes the importance of pacing and theatricality in the coin version, noting how the brass box enhances the routine.
  • AMillionCardTricks praises the card version for its beginner-friendly approach, calling it "visually striking yet simple" with a strong surprise element.

The trick is well-regarded for its flexibility, allowing performers to adjust it based on their style and skill level.

What people are saying about Follow The Leader

AMillionCardTricks says...

This is an excellent trick for beginners due to its minimal sleight of hand and strong visual payoff. The tutorial breaks down each step clearly, making it accessible while leaving room for performers to add their own flair.

BigBlindMedia says...

The routine utilizes a small brass box as a key prop. The performance emphasizes misdirection and audience engagement.

magic-tv says...

Craig combines two routines to create a stronger performance. The trick involves aces and kings changing places, with a clear leader-follower dynamic.

Performance videos

Tutorial videos