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Four Card by CardMechanic

Created by: CardMechanic

The 'Four Card' trick is a captivating close-up card magic performance that begins with a prediction of the 'Ace of Spades' written down beforehand. The magician uses a specific deck arrangement, maintaining the order of the top five cards during shuffles to ensure the trick's success. Spectator cuts create the illusion of randomness, leading to a double reveal of the prediction and the other three Aces, creating a memorable and impactful moment for the audience. This trick is accessible to both beginner and intermediate magicians, relying on a simple setup and misdirection.

Key features

  • Relies on a specific deck arrangement with the Ace of Spades and three other Aces.

  • Involves a written prediction of the 'Ace of Spades' hidden beforehand.

  • Maintaining the order of the top five cards during shuffles is crucial.

  • Spectator cuts create the illusion of randomness.

  • Culminates in a double reveal of the prediction and the other three Aces.

Pros

  • Accessible to both beginner and intermediate magicians.

  • Creates a memorable and impactful moment for the audience.

  • Relies on a simple setup and misdirection.

Cons

  • Requires careful shuffling to maintain the order of the top five cards.

  • The illusion of randomness depends on spectator's cuts, which may vary.

Effect

The Four Card trick creates a strong illusion of prediction and coincidence. The magician writes down a prediction (the Ace of Spades) before the trick begins. After the spectator cuts and mixes the deck, they locate a card that matches the prediction. The trick then escalates when the other three Aces are revealed, making the effect even more surprising.

Full Details

The trick relies on a specific setup with the Four Aces and one additional four-value card (such as the Four of Spades). The Ace of Spades is placed face up on top of the deck before being turned face down. The magician writes a prediction ("Ace of Spades") and hides it before performing.

A key part of the method is maintaining the order of the top five cards during shuffles. The spectator cuts the deck multiple times, turning sections face up and down to create the illusion of randomness. The first face-down card found after these cuts is not the actual selection but is used to locate the Ace of Spades. The magician then reveals the prediction and the remaining three Aces for a strong finish.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is suitable for beginners and intermediate magicians. It requires basic card handling but no advanced sleight of hand. The setup is simple, and the method relies more on deck management than difficult moves. Performers who enjoy prediction effects with a clean reveal will find this trick effective.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level is low to moderate. The most challenging part is ensuring the top five cards remain undisturbed during shuffles. The rest involves simple cuts and controlled reveals. CardMechanic notes that the shuffle must be performed carefully, but the method is straightforward once the setup is correct.

What Magicians Say

CardMechanic describes the trick as "a clever card trick that relies on a simple setup and a bit of misdirection." They emphasize that the spectator's cuts create the illusion of randomness while keeping the trick under control. The double reveal (prediction and three Aces) makes the effect stronger.

From the captions: "You want to make the selection process as random as possible... but it gets even better because the other three face-down cards are the other three Aces." This highlights the deceptive simplicity of the method and the strong finish.

The trick is recommended for those who want a reliable prediction effect with minimal sleight of hand.

What people are saying about Four Card

CardMechanic says...

The trick culminates in the reveal of the prediction – the Ace of Spades – followed by the surprising appearance of the other three Aces. This double reveal creates a memorable and impactful moment for the audience.

Tutorial videos