Four Queens

Effect

The Four Queens trick makes four queens appear to vanish and reappear in impossible ways. The magician shows all four queens, then makes one disappear. Later, the missing queen reappears in a surprising location. The trick uses sleight of hand and misdirection to create a strong illusion. The audience remembers seeing all four queens, but the final reveal defies their expectations.

Full Details

The trick uses standard playing cards, focusing on the four queens. Some versions require an extra card of a matching suit. Moves like the Elmsley Count, Riffle Force, Double Lift, and Color Change are often used. The Elmsley Count hides the disappearance of one queen while keeping the illusion of four. The Riffle Force makes a spectator stop at a specific card. A Double Lift helps with reveals, and a Color Change makes a card transform into the missing queen.

The trick is designed to be quick, often performed in under a minute. It resets fast, making it good for impromptu performances. Misdirection plays a big role, especially during the Elmsley Count and forced card moments.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick works well for beginners and experienced magicians. Beginners can learn it because some versions are self-working and require minimal sleight of hand. Experienced magicians can add their own touches to enhance the effect. It is good for casual performances, close-up magic, or street magic due to its quick setup and reset.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty depends on the version. Some methods are beginner-friendly, using simple techniques like the Riffle Force and basic misdirection. Other versions require more advanced sleight of hand, such as the Elmsley Count and Double Lift. The trick can be adjusted based on skill level. Beginners may need practice with the Elmsley Count, while experienced magicians can focus on smoother execution and presentation.

What Magicians Say

AlakazamMagicUK describes the trick as visually impressive and well-executed but notes that beginners might want more explanation on the sleights. The performance relies on misdirection and plays with the audience's memory.

AMillionCardTricks highlights the trick's simplicity and quick reset. They mention it is ideal for impromptu performances and praise its self-working nature. The tutorial version focuses on beginner-friendly techniques like the Riffle Force and Color Change.

Both reviewers agree that the Four Queens trick is engaging and works well for different skill levels. The trick's flexibility makes it a good choice for magicians looking for a quick, visual effect.