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Free Selection by Thomas Sealey

Created by: Thomas Sealey

Free Selection is a visually stunning close-up card magic trick that culminates in a card-to-wallet transformation. The magician begins by having a spectator freely select a card (e.g., the King of Clubs), which is then lost back in the deck. A blank prediction card is revealed, creating a moment of apparent failure. The magician then folds the blank card, places it in a wallet, and with a shake, the blank card visually transforms into the spectator's selected card. This trick combines misdirection, surprise, and a clean wallet switch for a powerful magical moment.

Key features

  • Misdirection & Surprise: The initial 'failed' prediction builds tension before the magical resolution.

  • Visual Transformation: The blank card developing into the selected card is a strong magical moment.

  • Wallet Switch: The Vortex Wallet allows for a clean, hands-off switch, making the effect seem impossible.

  • Performance Tips: Sell the 'Failure', Timing Matters, Wallet Handling.

  • Practical, visual magic that plays big while remaining easy to perform.

Pros

  • Strong magical moment with visual transformation

  • Clean, hands-off switch with the Vortex Wallet

  • Easy to perform with practical tips provided

  • Combines psychological buildup with a clean revelation

Cons

  • Requires the Vortex Wallet for the full effect

  • Initial 'failure' moment may require acting skills to sell convincingly

Effect

The Free Selection trick creates a strong magical moment where a freely chosen card visually transforms inside a wallet. The magician starts by having a spectator pick any card from a shuffled deck. The card is returned to the deck, seemingly lost. The magician then reveals a blank prediction card, appearing to fail—only to fold it, place it in a wallet, and with a shake, the blank card changes into the spectator's selected card.

Full Details

The trick uses a Vortex Wallet for a clean and deceptive switch. The routine begins with a genuine free selection of a card, ensuring fairness. The magician then introduces a blank prediction card, creating tension before the surprise transformation. The wallet allows the switch to happen without suspicious handling, making the effect seem impossible.

Key moments include:

  • The spectator freely choosing and remembering a card.
  • The magician revealing a blank card, selling the "failure."
  • The blank card folding and placement in the wallet.
  • A shake that visually changes the blank card into the selected card.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who want a visual, self-working effect that plays big in close-up or walkaround settings. It works well for performers who enjoy psychological buildup and clean reveals. The Vortex Wallet makes the method easy, so even beginners can perform it convincingly.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The trick is easy to perform with minimal sleight of hand. The wallet does most of the work, allowing the magician to focus on presentation. Proper timing and selling the "failed" prediction are the main performance skills needed.

What Magicians Say

SaturnMagicShop highlights the strong visual transformation and clean handling of the wallet. They note that the initial "failed" prediction builds tension, making the final reveal more impactful. Performance tips include:

  • "Sell the 'Failure'"—Make the blank card moment feel genuine.
  • "Timing Matters"—The shake should be deliberate for maximum effect.
  • "Wallet Handling"—Keeping the wallet in full view enhances the impossibility.

The routine is described as practical and visual, making it a strong choice for performers who want an easy yet powerful effect.

What people are saying about Free Selection

SaturnMagicShop says...

Thomas Sealey’s routine with the *Vortex Wallet* is a great example of **practical, visual magic** that plays big while remaining easy to perform. The combination of **psychological buildup** and a **clean revelation** makes this a strong piece for walkaround or close-up settings.

Performance videos