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Head to Head Poker by Paul Gordon

Created by: Paul Gordon

Head to Head Poker is a captivating close-up magic trick where the magician, Paul Gordon, engages the audience in a game of poker. Despite the audience making seemingly free choices to select cards for both their hand and the magician's, the routine culminates in the magician revealing a Royal Flush, an unbeatable hand. This trick combines elements of card magic, audience participation, and psychological misdirection, making it a memorable experience for spectators. It's ideal for magicians looking to add an interactive and surprising routine to their repertoire.

Key features

  • Highly interactive with audience participation

  • Combines card magic with psychological misdirection

  • Culminates in a surprising Royal Flush reveal

  • Suitable for close-up performances

  • Engaging and humorous delivery by Paul Gordon

Pros

  • Strong audience engagement

  • Surprising and memorable climax

  • Flexible performance style adaptable to various audiences

  • No need for spectators to know how to play poker

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the misdirection and timing

  • May not be suitable for very large audiences due to its close-up nature

Effect

In "Head to Head Poker," the magician plays a game of poker against an audience member. The spectator makes all the choices, deciding which cards go into their hand and which go into the magician’s. Despite the spectator’s free decisions, the magician ends up with an unbeatable Royal Flush. The trick creates the illusion of fairness while leading to a surprising and impossible outcome.

Full Details

Paul Gordon’s "Head to Head Poker" is a card routine that blends audience participation with clever deception. The magician deals 10 cards face down and invites the spectator to choose cards for both their own hand and the magician’s. The spectator believes they have complete control, but the magician subtly guides the outcome. The routine ends with the magician revealing a Royal Flush, proving that the spectator’s choices were part of a carefully constructed illusion.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for performers who enjoy interactive routines. It works well in close-up settings, parlour shows, or even virtual performances. Magicians who like card tricks with strong audience involvement will find this engaging. It is also suitable for those who want a self-working or semi-automatic effect that still feels organic and improvised.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level of "Head to Head Poker" is moderate. It does not require advanced sleight of hand, but it does rely on presentation and audience management. The magician must be comfortable guiding choices without making the trick feel forced. The structure is methodical, so practice is needed to ensure smooth pacing and natural interactions.

What Magicians Say

AlakazamMagicUK highlights the deceptive nature of the routine, stating that "the audience's choices, while appearing genuine, were subtly manipulated to achieve a predetermined result." Paul Gordon’s performance is described as engaging and humorous, making the trick accessible and entertaining. The trick is praised for its clever use of audience participation and its surprising climax.

"Head to Head Poker" is a strong choice for magicians who want a structured yet interactive card routine that delivers a powerful finish.

What people are saying about Head to Head Poker

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Paul Gordon’s 'Head to Head Poker' is a testament to the power of audience participation and subtle misdirection. [...] The routine builds to a surprising climax where, despite the audience's seemingly free choices, Gordon ends up with a Royal Flush.

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