HPC by Craig Petty

Created by: Craig Petty

HPC is a versatile card magic technique adapted from the Hang Ping Chien coin sleight, designed for close-up performances. In this Any Card At Any Number (ACAAN) routine, a spectator freely names a card and a position in a shuffled deck, and the card appears exactly at that spot. The trick uses a regular deck and features an invisible card switch, making it highly deceptive and impromptu. Perfect for magicians looking to add a clean, examinable ACAAN routine to their repertoire, HPC requires practice to master but offers a powerful and practical effect.

Key features

Adapted from the Hang Ping Chien coin sleight for card magic
Impromptu and uses a regular deck
Invisible card switch for maximum deception
Versatile technique applicable to other card tricks
Requires practice to perform seamlessly

Pros

Impromptu and uses a regular deck
Highly deceptive with an invisible switch
Versatile and applicable to other tricks
Examinable and instantly resettable

Cons

Requires mastery of the HPC sleight
Effectiveness depends on the performer's skill

Effect

The HPC trick is a card magic routine where a spectator names any card and any number in a shuffled deck. The magician then reveals that the named card is exactly at the chosen position in the deck. The effect is clean, direct, and highly deceptive, leaving the audience amazed at the precision and impossibility of the outcome.

Full details

HPC, short for Hang Ping Chien, is a technique adapted from coin magic and applied to card tricks. It allows for an invisible card switch, making the Any Card At Any Number (ACAAN) routine appear seamless and impromptu. The trick uses a regular deck of cards, requiring no gimmicks or special setups. The method involves a subtle sleight that is undetectable when performed correctly, ensuring the trick remains highly deceptive.

Who should consider the trick

The HPC trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy card magic and want to add a versatile, impromptu routine to their repertoire. It is particularly suited for performers who are comfortable with sleight of hand and are willing to invest time in mastering the technique. The trick is also a great choice for those who perform in walk-around or close-up settings, as it uses a regular deck and can be performed anywhere.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The HPC technique requires practice to perform seamlessly. While the sleight is not overly complex, it demands precision and smooth execution to ensure the card switch remains invisible. Magicians with experience in sleight of hand will find it easier to master, but beginners may need to dedicate more time to practice. The trick’s effectiveness relies heavily on the performer’s skill, so consistent rehearsal is essential.

What magicians say

Craig Petty, a well-known magician, describes HPC as a versatile technique that can be applied to various card tricks. He highlights its use in the ACAAN routine, where the card switch is invisible, making the trick highly deceptive. Petty notes that while the technique requires practice, the result is worth the effort, as the trick appears impromptu and uses a regular deck. He also mentions that the full routine and technique are available for learning on The Netrix, providing detailed explanations and practical tips for real-world performance.

What people are saying about HPC

magic-tv says...

The HPC technique makes the card switch invisible, creating a highly deceptive Any Card At Any Number routine. [...] Mastering HPC may require practice, but the result is a clean and impromptu trick.