ID by Steve Cook

Created by: Steve Cook

ID by Steve Cook is a close-up magic trick that involves a clever and deceptive method to make a chosen card visually appear in a seemingly impossible way. The trick is designed to be performed in an intimate setting, allowing the magician to engage directly with the audience. The effect is clean, direct, and leaves spectators baffled as to how the card could have been identified and revealed so effortlessly. This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy performing card magic and want to add a strong, visual impact to their repertoire.

Key features

Clean and direct visual effect
Ideal for close-up performances
Uses a clever and deceptive method
Engages the audience directly
Strong impact with minimal setup

Pros

Highly visual and baffling
Easy to perform with practice
Versatile for various close-up settings
Engages the audience effectively

Cons

Requires practice to master the method
May not be suitable for large stage performances

Effect

The ID trick by Steve Cook creates a moment of astonishment as a selected card seemingly identifies itself in an impossible way. The audience sees a card freely chosen and returned to the deck, only for it to reveal itself in a surprising and unexplainable manner. The effect is clean, direct, and leaves spectators wondering how it was done.

Full details

ID is a card trick that uses a clever method to make a selected card appear to identify itself. The trick requires no gimmicks or special setups, making it easy to carry and perform anywhere. The method is straightforward but relies on precise handling and timing to ensure the effect is convincing. The trick is designed to be performed with a regular deck of cards, making it accessible to most magicians.

Who should consider the trick

ID is ideal for magicians who enjoy close-up magic and want a reliable, easy-to-perform trick that leaves a strong impression. It’s particularly suited for those who perform in casual settings, such as restaurants, parties, or social gatherings. The trick’s simplicity and lack of gimmicks make it a great choice for beginners, but its strong impact also appeals to experienced performers looking for a quick, effective routine.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

ID is rated as an easy-to-moderate trick in terms of difficulty. The method is simple to learn, but it requires practice to execute smoothly and convincingly. Magicians will need to focus on their handling and timing to ensure the effect is clean and deceptive. With a bit of rehearsal, most performers should be able to master the trick and add it to their repertoire.

What magicians say

Craig Petty, in his Q&A video, discusses the importance of adapting close-up tricks for different performance settings. While he doesn’t specifically mention ID, his insights on making tricks engaging and interactive apply well to this effect. He emphasizes the need for clear presentation and audience involvement, which are key to making ID a memorable experience for spectators.

What people are saying about ID by Steve Cook

magic-tv says...

Teaching kids magic should be fun and not forced. Adapting close-up tricks for stage requires larger props and audience interaction.