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In A Pinch by PigCake and Peter Turner

Created by: PigCake, Peter Turner

In A Pinch is a clever card trick that involves a psychological force and a prediction. The magician secretly places a prediction card (e.g., the Jack of Clubs) in a specific position within the deck, typically the seventh card from the top. The participant is asked to name a number between 1 and 10, and through a series of questions and actions, the magician guides them to reveal the predicted card. The trick is adaptable, allowing for various outcomes based on the participant's choices. It's a close-up magic trick that plays on the participant's perception of free choice.

Key features

  • Psychological force technique

  • Adaptable to participant's choices

  • Includes a 'deal back' ruse inspired by Peter Turner

  • Can be performed with any deck of cards

  • No need for the forced card to be in the seventh position

  • Encourages improvisation and audience engagement

Pros

  • Highly adaptable to different situations

  • Engages the audience with the illusion of free choice

  • No special props required beyond a standard deck of cards

  • Teaches valuable performance skills like improvisation

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the psychological force

  • May need to adapt quickly to unexpected participant choices

Effect

The trick "In A Pinch" is a card-based prediction effect designed to create a strong moment of surprise. A participant freely names a number, deals down to that card in the deck, and discovers it matches a prediction made beforehand. The magician never forces a specific card, yet the outcome always aligns perfectly with the prediction. The method ensures flexibility, allowing the performer to adapt to different spectator choices while maintaining the illusion of free will.

Full Details

"In A Pinch" relies on a clever combination of psychological forces and adaptable handling techniques. The prediction card is placed in a strategic position within the deck, typically the seventh spot, though variations exist. If the participant names the correct number, the trick resolves instantly. If not, the magician employs subtle tactics—such as resetting the deck or guiding the participant toward a favorable position—without revealing the method.

The trick was developed by PigCake and Peter Turner in response to iOS updates that disrupted calculator-based magic tricks. While originally addressing a technical issue, "In A Pinch" stands on its own as a versatile card routine.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who enjoy interactive, improvisational performances. It works well for close-up or casual settings where audience participation enhances the experience. Beginners can learn the basic handling, while advanced performers will appreciate the flexibility to adapt the method creatively.

Difficulty

The trick is moderately easy to perform but requires practice to master the subtleties of audience management. The core method is straightforward, but smooth execution depends on confident handling of participant choices. PigCake describes it as "loosey-goosey," meaning performers must be comfortable adjusting on the fly.

What Magicians Say

PigCake emphasizes the trick’s adaptability, stating, "There's a lot of different ways to perform it... you're really on your feet depending on the situation." He praises Peter Turner’s contributions, particularly a clever reset technique that ensures the trick works even if the participant strays from the expected number.

Murphy’s Magic highlights the trick’s relevance, noting it solves a problem caused by iOS updates while offering a strong standalone effect. They describe it as a practical solution for magicians affected by technological changes.

Overall, "In A Pinch" is praised for its deceptive simplicity and adaptability, making it a valuable addition to a magician’s repertoire.

What people are saying about In A Pinch

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

iOS 18 has arrived and it's got mantus buzzing both in excitement and concern. [...] In A Pinch by Peter Turner and Pigcake addresses issues caused by iOS updates affecting calculator tricks.

PigCake says...

The trick works because participants feel like they are making free choices. [...] The beauty of the method lies in its adaptability.

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