Gravity by Philip Smith

Effect

Gravity is a card trick where the magician creates the illusion of a one-way deck without any obvious setup. The spectator freely selects a card, and through a series of seemingly impossible moves, the magician reveals that the entire deck has mysteriously aligned itself to match the chosen card. The effect is clean, visual, and leaves the audience questioning how such a thing could happen with an ordinary deck of cards.

Full Details

Gravity is part of Phillip Smith's Mythology Codex, a collection of mentalism and card magic routines. The trick involves a clever combination of principles that allow the magician to manipulate the deck in a way that appears completely fair. Unlike traditional one-way deck methods, Gravity requires no prearrangement or gimmicks, making it highly deceptive. The method is streamlined and practical, designed for real-world performance.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Gravity is ideal for magicians who enjoy card magic with a mentalism twist. It suits performers who want a strong, self-working effect that doesn’t rely on complex sleight of hand. Mentalists will appreciate its psychological subtleties, while card magicians will find it a valuable addition to their repertoire. If you like tricks that are easy to learn but produce powerful reactions, Gravity is worth exploring.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

Gravity is not technically demanding. The method relies more on understanding the underlying principles than on difficult moves. Steve Faulkner mentions that he learned and performed it within minutes, calling it "incredibly powerful" yet straightforward. The challenge lies in presentation—selling the impossibility of the effect—but the mechanics themselves are accessible to most skill levels.

What Magicians Say

Steve Faulkner, in his review of Mythology Codex, describes Gravity as a standout trick. He says, "I literally did it a minute later... and completely fooled myself. You can create miracles with this." He praises its elegance and the way it combines multiple concepts seamlessly. The trick’s strength lies in its simplicity and the fact that it leaves no trace of method, making it a reliable fooler for both lay audiences and magicians.

Gravity is one of those rare card tricks that feels like real magic—no complicated moves, no awkward moments, just a clean, baffling result. If you’re looking for a practical, high-impact effect, this is a strong contender.