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Jinx Change

Jinx Change is a captivating close-up card trick that plays on the magician versus gambler plot. The magician appears to cut to random cards, initially showing Queens, then 'accidentally' revealing an Ace, only to magically correct the 'mistake' by transforming the Ace into the Queens, then the Queens into Aces, and finally back to Queens. This trick is a rollercoaster of surprises, blending sleight of hand with misdirection to create a memorable performance. It's perfect for magicians looking to add a dynamic and interactive routine to their repertoire.

Key features

  • Variation on the magician versus gambler plot

  • Involves false cuts, double lifts, double undercut, Jinx Change, Elmsley Count, and Flip-Flop Change

  • Encourages embracing mistakes as moments of wonder

  • Great for practicing double lifts in front of an audience

  • Can be adapted to suit different performance styles

Pros

  • Engaging and interactive routine

  • Great practice for essential sleight of hand techniques

  • Flexible to different performance styles

  • Creates a sense of surprise and amusement for the audience

Cons

  • Involves several advanced techniques, may not be suitable for beginners

  • Requires a specific setup with Aces strategically placed between the Queens

Effect

The Jinx Change is a card trick that plays with audience expectations. The magician appears to cut to random cards, initially showing Queens. A mistake seems to happen when an Ace appears instead. The magician then corrects this "error" by transforming the Ace into the Queens, then the Queens into Aces, and finally back to Queens. The effect is a series of surprising visual changes that leave the audience amused and confused.

Full Details

The trick uses a specific setup where Aces are placed between Queens in the deck. The routine involves false cuts, double lifts, and controls to maintain the illusion of randomness. Key moves include:

  • False Cuts – Making the deck appear shuffled while keeping the setup intact.
  • Double Lifts – Showing one card while secretly keeping another hidden.
  • Double Undercut – Moving a card to the bottom of the deck.
  • Jinx Change – A packet switch performed on the offbeat to disguise the move.
  • Elmsley Count – A counting technique to hide card manipulation.
  • Flip-Flop Change – A method for switching two cards.

The performance relies on timing and misdirection, with the magician playing up the "mistake" for comedic effect before revealing the transformations.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is best for intermediate to advanced card magicians comfortable with double lifts and packet switches. PigCake mentions that while the routine involves multiple sleights, it’s a good way to practice double lifts in front of an audience. The trick suits performers who enjoy a playful, self-deprecating presentation style.

Difficulty

The Jinx Change requires familiarity with several advanced techniques. PigCake calls it "Advanced virginity" due to the combination of double lifts, controls, and the Jinx Change itself. However, he notes that participants often miss small imperfections, making it forgiving in performance. The trick is not recommended for beginners but is a strong choice for those looking to refine their card handling.

What Magicians Say

PigCake describes the trick as "a wonderful effect where not only do you find a four of a kind but then you turn that four of a kind into the Aces and then you turn that right back into the Queens." He praises the Jinx Change as a deceptive move when done on the offbeat, saying it "flies by every participant." He also emphasizes that the humor and presentation are just as important as the technical skill, making it a fun routine to perform.

The trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy interactive, comedic card magic and want to practice sleight of hand in a structured routine.

What people are saying about Jinx Change

PigCake says...

This is a sucker trick you thought that I messed up by cutting to the Queens really I cut to the Four Aces but this is really what we do as vergence to practice we cut to one random card and we try our best to cut to the remaining cards but if it all goes wrong we could just fix the problem with magic.

Tutorial videos