Inevitable Choice by Christian Grace

Effect

The Inevitable Choice is a card trick where a spectator freely selects a card, loses it in the deck, and then makes a series of choices to narrow down the deck until only their card remains. The magician deals cards face down, and the spectator says "now" at any point to move a card to a separate pile. This process repeats until one card is left—the spectator's original selection. The effect feels fair and impossible, as the spectator appears to have complete control over every decision.

Full Details

The trick uses a custom-printed deck of Mandolin Back cards by the United States Playing Card Company. The deck includes subtle features that enhance the method, though the cards appear normal to spectators. The routine requires no advanced sleight of hand—only a simple force and confident handling of the deck. The included 22-minute tutorial by Christian Grace covers performance nuances, scripting, and multiple handling options to maximize the effect.

Once the deck wears out, performers can recreate the necessary setup with standard decks, making it reusable without additional purchases. The trick works for live performances, close-up settings, and even online shows.

Who Should Consider the Trick

• Beginners: The method is straightforward, with no complex sleights.
• Card workers: The strong effect and spectator involvement make it a valuable addition to any set.
• Mentalists: The routine fits well into mentalism acts, emphasizing free will and prediction.
• Performers who value audience interaction: The spectator makes all key decisions, enhancing engagement.

Difficulty

The trick is beginner-friendly, requiring only basic card handling. The force is simple, and the tutorial provides clear guidance on managing spectator choices. Confidence in spreading and displaying cards is helpful but not technically demanding.

What Magicians Say

• FiddlinJonny: Calls it a "lifetime keeper" and praises its strong reactions in professional settings. He highlights the spectator’s sense of free choice and the ease of resetting for repeated performances.
• RealMagicReview (Steve Faulkner): Notes the trick’s strength but feels it lacks a "wow" moment compared to other Christian Grace releases. He appreciates its adaptability for live and online performances.
• General consensus: Reviewers agree the trick is well-constructed, practical, and delivers strong audience reactions. Some mention similarities to older methods (e.g., David Regal’s Simpatico), but credit Grace for refining the presentation.

The Inevitable Choice is a reliable, audience-tested trick suitable for performers at any level. Its simplicity and strong impact make it a worthwhile investment.