Instinct by Christian Grace

Effect

Instinct is a card magic trick that creates a strong sense of mystery and impossibility. The audience sees a card freely selected and lost in the deck. The magician then demonstrates an uncanny ability to locate the chosen card through intuition, often with minimal handling or obvious sleight of hand. The effect feels organic and unforced, making it highly deceptive.

Full details

Instinct is part of Christian Grace's Magic Monthly subscription service, which provides detailed tutorials on advanced card magic. The trick involves a combination of psychological subtleties and sleight of hand to create a clean and impactful performance. The method is designed to be practical for real-world conditions, with minimal setup and reset requirements. The trick is taught alongside other routines, offering additional insights into card magic theory and performance.

Who should consider the trick

Instinct is best suited for intermediate to advanced card magicians who are comfortable with sleight of hand and psychological techniques. Beginners may find the method challenging due to its reliance on nuanced handling and timing. The trick is ideal for performers who want to add a strong, organic-looking effect to their repertoire without relying on gimmicks or complex setups.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty of Instinct depends on the performer's familiarity with card magic principles. The sleight of hand involved is not overly complex, but the trick requires precise timing and an understanding of audience psychology. As Scott Perry notes, some routines in Magic Monthly are "quite difficult" due to the thought process behind them, but the sleights themselves are manageable with practice. Instinct falls into this category, where the challenge lies in the performance rather than the mechanics.

What magicians say

Scott Perry, a professional magician, describes Magic Monthly as a valuable resource for serious card workers. He highlights the innovative thinking behind the routines, stating, "There is stuff in this that's blown my mind." While he acknowledges that some tricks may be too complex or situational for casual performers, he emphasizes the learning value: "You will gain so much from learning these routines." Perry recommends the service for those looking to elevate their card magic, noting that even if not all routines are performed, the principles taught are highly beneficial.