Heartless by Simon Lovell

Effect

The 'Heartless' trick creates a strong visual surprise for the audience. A magician cuts a deck of cards, and a spectator stops the cutting to reveal the queen of hearts. The magician then finds the other three queens. The final reveal shows that the rest of the deck is blank, with only the four queens having faces. This unexpected twist leaves the audience amazed.

Full details

'Heartless' is a gimmicked card trick created by Simon Lovell. The trick uses a specially prepared deck where only the four queens have faces, and the rest of the cards are blank. The deck is examinable, meaning spectators can inspect it after the trick. The trick resets instantly, making it practical for repeated performances. While the original presentation by Lovell involves a story about 'heartless queens,' performers can adapt the presentation to suit their style.

Who should consider the trick

'Heartless' is ideal for magicians who perform walk-around or close-up magic. The trick is examinable and does not require a table, making it versatile for different performance settings. Magicians who enjoy strong visual effects and quick resets will find this trick particularly appealing. However, those who prefer not to use gimmicked decks may want to consider other options.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The 'Heartless' trick is relatively easy to perform, but constructing the gimmicked deck can be tricky. Once the deck is prepared, the trick itself is straightforward and does not require advanced sleight of hand. Performers can focus on their presentation and audience interaction, as the mechanics of the trick are simple to execute.

What magicians say

Craig Petty highlights the practicality of 'Heartless,' noting that it plays big and is examinable. He mentions that the trick is hard to make but praises its strong visual surprise and instant reset. Craig also adapts the presentation to his style, showing that the trick can be personalized. Overall, 'Heartless' is highly recommended for real-world performances due to its impact and practicality.