Four Kings Trick by Mark Mason

Four Kings Trick Analysis

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the “Four Kings Trick,” designed to help potential buyers assess its suitability for their magic repertoire.

Effect:

The “Four Kings Trick” presents a visually striking illusion. A selection of four king cards (typically red kings) vanishes from the magician’s hand and reappears in the center of a standard deck of cards, positioned between two other cards. The key element is that a card chosen by the spectator is placed between the vanished kings, creating a seemingly impossible transposition. The trick relies on a concealed mechanism within the deck to achieve the switch.

Full Details:

This trick utilizes a specialized gimmick – Mark Mason’s “Outstanding” – designed to facilitate clean and deceptive card switches. The gimmick, available in red and blue Bicycle decks, integrates seamlessly into a standard deck. It’s designed for magicians with a beginner-level understanding of card manipulation. The core of the effect relies on a subtle, hidden device within the deck that allows for the instant and undetectable swapping of the four kings. The trick is presented with two routines: the “Four Kings Trick” itself and an enhanced version, “Club Sandwich Plus,” which incorporates the gimmick into a more complex and impressive routine involving a selection of jokers and other cards. The trick is angle-proof, meaning it can be performed effectively from almost any viewing angle. The tutorial emphasizes the gimmick’s simplicity and ease of repair.

Who Should Consider the Trick:

This trick is particularly well-suited for magicians who:

• Value Visual Deception: The “Outstanding” gimmick prioritizes a clean, visually stunning switch, making it ideal for performers who want to create a strong impression.
• Seek Beginner-Friendly Techniques: The trick is designed for magicians with basic card handling skills (the ability to square a deck).
• Perform Close-Up or Walkaround Magic: The “Four Kings Trick” is particularly effective in these settings, allowing for table-hopping presentations.
• Are Interested in Social Media/TV Magic: The visual clarity of the switch makes it camera-friendly, suitable for online performances and television appearances.
• Enjoy Versatile Routines: The inclusion of “Club Sandwich Plus” expands the trick’s potential, offering a more complex and impressive routine.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform:

According to reviewers, the trick is relatively easy to learn and perform. MurphysMagicSupplies states, “if you can square a deck, you can perform the switch.” Beau from Murphy’s Magic highlights the simplicity of the gimmick, noting that it “destroyed me when I saw this at magifest and at Blackpool.” The online tutorial is praised for its clarity, although some reviewers suggest a top-down camera angle would enhance the visual learning experience. The trick’s angle-proof design further simplifies performance, as it can be executed effectively from various viewing positions.

What Magicians Say:

• AlakazamMagicUK: “The best magic books are a result of a lifetime of performing and perfecting and they don't just contain new tricks but also techniques you can apply to the magic you already do.” This quote emphasizes the value of the book beyond just the trick itself, highlighting the inclusion of valuable techniques.
• Beau (Murphy’s Magic): “This is the coolest and most deceiving switching gimmick I’ve seen in a long time.” This statement directly conveys the trick’s effectiveness and visual appeal. He also calls it a “no-brainer” for magicians seeking clean, visual switches.
• AlakazamMagicUK: “It’s not actually that big though the boy who cried magic is the result of two decades of performing and creating magic, showcasing routines from walk-around gigs, performances at the Magic Castle, and even TV spots.” This highlights the depth and experience behind the creation of the book and its routines.