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Force Card by David Blaine

Created by: David Blaine

The Force Card trick is a classic close-up magic technique where the magician seemingly allows a spectator to freely choose a card, but in reality, the magician controls the selection to a predetermined card. This trick is often performed with a standard deck of playing cards and is a staple in card magic. The D23 Lunamation deck, as reviewed, features custom artwork inspired by David Blaine's stunts and may include subtle markings, adding an extra layer of intrigue for magicians. The deck's animation feature and unique design elements make it a collector's item as well as a functional tool for magic performances.

Key features

  • Printed by the USPCC on standard playing card stock for a familiar feel

  • Navy blue matte tuck case with silver foil accents

  • Back design incorporates an animation feature when in new deck order

  • Custom artwork on card faces inspired by David Blaine's stunts

  • Potential for subtle markings, adding to its utility for magicians

  • Limited availability, making it a collector's item

Pros

  • High-quality printing by USPCC

  • Unique and visually appealing design

  • Animation feature adds an extra element of surprise

  • Potential for use in advanced magic tricks due to possible markings

  • Collectible item likely to increase in value

Cons

  • Limited availability may make it difficult to acquire

  • Higher cost due to collectibility and limited edition status

  • Animation feature only works in new deck order

Effect

The Force Card trick creates the illusion that a spectator freely chooses a specific card from a shuffled deck. The magician appears to have no control over the selection, yet the chosen card is always the one the magician intended. In the case of David Blaine's D23 performance, the entire audience was guided to the same card (the three of hearts), making the effect even more impressive due to its scale.

Full Details

The Force Card method used in David Blaine's D23 performance likely involved a pre-shuffled deck with the force card already in position. The trick combined a rollover force and a number force to subtly guide the audience to the intended card. The deck itself, the D23 Lunamation, is a custom-designed playing card set printed by the USPCC. It features unique artwork inspired by Blaine’s famous stunts, including references to his bullet catch, mouth-tying, and frog-splitting performances.

The deck has an animation feature on the back design, visible when the cards are in new deck order. The tuck case is navy blue with silver foil accents, and the cards include custom faces, such as the King of Spades featuring Blaine’s logo. Some reviewers speculate the deck may be marked, though this is unconfirmed.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who want a reliable method for forcing a card in performances. It works well in both close-up and stage settings, especially when performing for larger groups. Collectors and fans of David Blaine may also be interested in the D23 Lunamation deck due to its unique design and limited availability.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Force Card technique used in this trick is considered beginner-friendly. The method relies more on presentation and audience management than complex sleight of hand. However, performing it convincingly for a large audience, as Blaine did, requires strong misdirection and timing.

What Magicians Say

Magic Orthodoxy’s David, a card collector and magician, praised the D23 Lunamation deck for its design and potential as a collector’s item. Regarding the trick, he noted:

"It shocked a lot of people, which is proof again that you can blow away an entire audience with a basic beginner’s level force."

He also speculated that the deck might contain hidden markings, given Blaine’s history of incorporating subtle marking systems into his cards.

Overall, the Force Card method demonstrated in this performance is a strong example of how simple techniques can create powerful magic when executed well. The D23 Lunamation deck adds an extra layer of appeal for collectors and performers alike.

What people are saying about Force Card

magicorthodoxy says...

David Blaine's D23 Lunamation deck is a must-have for David Blaine collectors, card enthusiasts, and Disney fans. [...] The deck features a navy blue matte tuck case with silver foil accents, and the back design incorporates an animation feature.

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