In Flight by David Regal

Effect

In Flight is a magic trick that creates the illusion of mind reading with a deck of cards. A spectator shuffles and examines the deck, then three participants freely select cards. Despite these impossible conditions, the magician reveals all three chosen cards with no apparent method. The trick appears to be pure mentalism, with the deck genuinely shuffled and handled by the audience.

Full details

In Flight is a gimmicked deck trick designed by David Regal. It updates the classic tossed-out deck routine by allowing the deck to be examined and shuffled before the performance. The deck is set up with a hidden mechanism that enables the magician to know the selected cards without direct handling. The trick works in close-up, parlor, and stage settings, making it versatile for different performance environments.

The routine involves audience interaction, with the magician guiding spectators through the selection process using psychological subtleties and nonverbal cues. The deck remains examinable before the trick begins, adding to the illusion of fairness. The effect is angle-proof, meaning it can be performed surrounded without risk of exposure.

Who should consider the trick

In Flight is ideal for magicians who want a strong mentalism effect with minimal sleight of hand. It suits performers who enjoy audience interaction and psychological presentation. The trick is accessible to beginners but also offers depth for experienced magicians looking for a deceptive, self-working routine.

Those who perform in parlor or stage settings will find it particularly useful, as it plays well for larger groups. However, close-up magicians can also adapt it for smaller audiences.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

In Flight is relatively easy to perform, as the deck does most of the work. The method requires no advanced sleight of hand, making it suitable for beginners. However, proper audience management is crucial to ensure smooth execution. The magician must give clear instructions to spectators to prevent mishandling of the deck.

Reset time is minimal, taking about 1–2 minutes if the deck is shuffled during performance. The gimmick may require occasional maintenance to ensure longevity, but most magicians will have the necessary materials for upkeep.

What magicians say

Alex Kirk describes In Flight as a "genius simplification" of the tossed-out deck plot, praising its examinability and practicality for parlor settings. He notes that the deck’s gimmick combines known methods for a seamless effect.

BAM_magic highlights the trick’s scalability, stating it works for audiences of 5 to 500 people. They emphasize the importance of clear spectator instructions to avoid mishandling. The reviewer rates it 83%, calling it a strong contender for those who value examinability and real-world practicality.

Penguinmagictricks5930 notes that In Flight fools even magicians due to its deceptive simplicity. They praise David Regal’s presentation, which blends humor and psychological subtleties to enhance the effect. The trick’s ability to play big while requiring minimal sleight of hand makes it a standout choice.

Overall, magicians agree that In Flight is a powerful, easy-to-perform trick with strong audience impact. Its examinable nature and versatility make it a valuable addition to many performers' repertoires.