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Four Kings by Mark Mason

Created by: Mark Mason

The 'Four Kings' trick is a versatile card magic routine that can be adapted for various performance styles, from close-up to stage. It involves the mysterious gathering or transformation of the four Kings in a deck, often with a surprising twist that challenges the audience's perception. Some versions include color changes, switches with Aces, or other unexpected revelations, making the trick highly engaging and deceptive. The trick is suitable for magicians of all skill levels, with some variations requiring minimal sleight of hand, making it accessible to beginners, while others offer depth for advanced performers.

Key features

  • Versatile for various performance styles

  • Includes surprising twists and transformations

  • Suitable for all skill levels

  • Some versions require minimal sleight of hand

  • Cards are fully examinable in some routines

Pros

  • Engaging and deceptive

  • Easy to learn for beginners

  • Offers depth for advanced magicians

  • Quick reset for repeat performances

  • Examinable cards add to the trick's credibility

Cons

  • Some versions may be too basic for seasoned magicians

  • Unexpected twists could confuse beginners about the technique's true mechanics

Effect

The Four Kings trick is a visually deceptive card routine where the magician appears to control or manipulate the kings in impossible ways. Depending on the version performed, the effect can include:

  • The four kings mysteriously coming together after being shuffled into the deck.
  • The kings changing places or transforming into aces while remaining examinable.
  • A surprise color change where the kings turn blue, defying expectations.
  • A dual reveal where the trick appears to be about four aces before unexpectedly ending with the four kings.

The trick plays on audience expectations, often using misdirection to enhance the illusion.

Full Details

The Four Kings trick has multiple variations, each with its own method and presentation style. Some versions rely on sleight of hand, while others are self-working with minimal setup. Key elements include:

  • Shuffling techniques that keep the kings in position (CardMechanic).
  • Bottom dealing to secretly control the kings (CardMechanic).
  • Verbal misdirection to shift focus away from the method (SaturnMagicShop).
  • Color changes that surprise the audience (steventaputoro).
  • Self-working mechanics that require no advanced sleights (steventaputoro).

The cards are often examinable, making the effect more baffling. Some versions include a twist ending, such as revealing aces instead of kings or changing the kings' colors.

Who Should Consider the Trick

  • Beginners will find some versions easy to learn, requiring no advanced sleight of hand (AlakazamMagicUK).
  • Intermediate magicians can benefit from versions that incorporate shuffling techniques and misdirection (CardMechanic, SaturnMagicShop).
  • Advanced performers may appreciate the challenge of refining timing and presentation for maximum impact (steventaputoro).
  • Close-up magicians will find the examinable nature of some versions useful for walk-around performances (SaturnMagicShop).

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty varies by version:

  • Easy: Some routines are self-working, relying on setup rather than sleight of hand (steventaputoro).
  • Moderate: Versions involving shuffling control or bottom deals require practice but are manageable with dedication (CardMechanic).
  • Advanced: Tricks that combine sleight of hand, misdirection, and timing demand more skill (SaturnMagicShop).

Most versions emphasize presentation over technical difficulty, making them accessible with practice.

What Magicians Say

  • CardMechanic highlights the deceptive nature of the trick, noting that the unexpected twist can confuse viewers about the true method.
  • AlakazamMagicUK describes it as a great beginner trick but mentions it may lack depth for advanced performers.
  • SaturnMagicShop praises the examinable nature of the cards and the importance of verbal misdirection.
  • steventaputoro emphasizes the power of expectation management, calling it a "quick, impactful routine" with a memorable twist.

Overall, the Four Kings trick is versatile, with versions suitable for different skill levels and performance styles.

What people are saying about Four Kings

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Andy's casual handling makes the trick look effortless, adding a touch of charm. While the routine is short and easy to follow, it might feel too basic for seasoned magicians.

CardMechanic says...

The performance includes a real-time challenge for viewers to spot the cheat, ending with a surprising twist where the creator actually deals themselves a King and the four Aces instead of the Four Kings.

SaturnMagicShop says...

Mason’s approach emphasizes the importance of *lying and deceiving* the audience, but in a way that is entertaining and engaging.

steventaputoro says...

The trick plays on **expectation management**, first establishing a simple card-flipping sequence before subverting it with a color change.

Performance videos

Tutorial videos