Get Ready Double by Jay Sankey

Effect

The Get Ready Double is a card magic technique where the magician appears to show the top card of the deck to the audience. In reality, the magician is handling two cards as one, making it look like a single card is being revealed. This creates the illusion that the magician is showing the top card, while secretly displaying the second card from the top. The effect is seamless and convincing when performed correctly, leaving the audience unaware of the sleight of hand involved.

Full details

The Get Ready Double is a foundational move in card magic, particularly useful for beginners. It involves handling the top two cards of the deck as if they were one. The magician creates a small break between the top two cards, then lifts and turns them over together, showing the face of the second card. The key to this technique is keeping the two cards perfectly aligned so that they appear as a single card. The move is often used in routines where the magician needs to secretly control or reveal a specific card without the audience realizing the method.

Who should consider the trick

The Get Ready Double is ideal for beginners in card magic who are just starting to learn essential sleight of hand techniques. It’s also a great option for magicians who want a reliable and straightforward double lift that can be performed confidently in various conditions, such as when handling a borrowed or slightly worn deck. Advanced magicians may find it less challenging but can still use it as a dependable option in certain performance scenarios.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Get Ready Double is considered beginner-friendly, making it accessible to those new to card magic. While it requires practice to achieve smooth and natural handling, the technique is less complex compared to more advanced double lifts. The key challenge lies in maintaining the alignment of the two cards and executing the move without drawing suspicion. With consistent practice, most magicians can master this technique relatively quickly.

What magicians say

Jay Sankey, a well-known magician, describes the Get Ready Double as a "bulletproof" technique, especially useful in real-world performance conditions where decks may not be in perfect condition. He emphasizes the importance of confidence and relaxation when performing the move, noting that even a simple double lift can be highly deceptive if executed smoothly. Sankey also highlights that while the technique may appear basic, it’s a solid foundation for building more advanced card magic skills. He recommends it as a starting point for beginners before moving on to more intricate double lifts.