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Impromptu Vanishing Card by Lloyd Barnes

Created by: Lloyd Barnes

The Impromptu Vanishing Card is a visually stunning close-up card trick that can be performed with any borrowed, shuffled deck. A spectator freely names a card (e.g., the Five of Diamonds), which is then placed between two red Aces. The named card vanishes cleanly, only to reappear between the Aces, which then transform into the other three matching cards (e.g., the remaining Fives). This trick is fully impromptu, requires no gimmicks, and features a memorable kicker ending that elevates it beyond a standard sandwich trick.

Key features

  • Fully impromptu with no gimmicks

  • Ultra-clean vanish with no palming

  • Memorable kicker ending with card transformation

  • Works with any borrowed deck

  • Detailed teaching for both advanced and beginner versions

Pros

  • Super visual and genuinely impromptu

  • Clean vanish with no suspicious moves

  • Startling kicker ending that surprises audiences

  • Accessible for varying skill levels with simplified versions available

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the culling and vanish techniques

  • Performance may be affected if the borrowed deck is incomplete

Effect

The Impromptu Vanishing Card trick starts with a freely named card, such as the Five of Diamonds, placed between two red Aces. The card visibly vanishes in a clean, deceptive manner, leaving no trace. After a moment, the card reappears between the Aces, but the real surprise comes when the Aces transform into the other three matching cards (e.g., the remaining Fives). The effect is highly visual and leaves audiences stunned.

Full Details

This trick is fully impromptu, meaning it requires no gimmicks and works with any borrowed, shuffled deck. The routine involves:

  • Culling the Cards – As the performer removes the named card and the two red Aces, they secretly gather the other three matching cards to the top of the deck.
  • The Scarlet Utility Vanish – A deceptive move makes the named card disappear cleanly without palming.
  • The Reappearance & Kicker – The vanished card returns between the Aces, which then visually transform into the remaining matching cards.

    • Lloyd Barnes, the creator, provides detailed teaching for both an advanced version (requiring culling and precise handling) and a beginner-friendly version (where the matching cards are pre-set).

    Who Should Consider the Trick

    This routine is ideal for magicians who:

    • Prefer impromptu magic with no setup.
    • Enjoy visual vanishes and transformations.
    • Want a strong, self-working effect with a memorable climax.
    • Perform with borrowed decks.

    Difficulty Level

    The trick has two versions:

    • Advanced – Requires culling, precise card handling, and the Scarlet Utility Vanish. Suitable for intermediate to advanced performers.
    • Beginner – Simplified with pre-set cards, making it accessible to newer magicians.

    Barnes notes that the vanish is clean and deceptive, but proper pacing and misdirection are key to selling the illusion.

    What Magicians Say

    Lloyd Barnes describes the trick as "super visual" and "genuinely fully impromptu," praising its "startling kicker ending." He emphasizes that the vanish is ultra-clean, with no palming or suspicious moves.

    The routine is highly adaptable, with options for both technical and simplified performances. Barnes also provides performance tips, such as checking for a full deck and controlling pacing for maximum impact.

    If you enjoy impromptu card magic with a strong visual finish, the Impromptu Vanishing Card is a compelling choice.

    What people are saying about Impromptu Vanishing Card

    lloydb says...

    The reason I love this is because it's super visual, it's genuinely fully impromptu, and it's got this really startling kicker ending that nobody sees coming.

    Tutorial videos