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Jokers by Gordon Bean and Peter Kane

Created by: Gordon Bean, Peter Kane

Jokers is a captivating close-up card trick that centers around the transformation and appearance of cards using Jokers from a standard deck. In one popular routine, a spectator freely selects, signs, and loses a card, only for it to mysteriously appear between two Jokers placed on top of the deck, creating a moment of pure astonishment. Another variation involves Casino-style cards where Jokers visually transform into a named playing card one by one, even when held by the spectator, emphasizing themes of transformation and coincidence. This trick leverages psychological misdirection and a deceptive setup to make the spectator feel in complete control, enhancing the illusion of impossibility. Buyers should note that it requires confident presentation, deliberate pacing, and an understanding of psychological principles to maximize impact, making it ideal for magicians looking to add a strong, memorable effect to their close-up or parlour repertoire.

Key features

  • Relies on psychological misdirection to create a strong sense of free choice for the spectator

  • Uses only Jokers and standard playing cards, making it accessible and easy to carry

  • Includes multiple routines or variations, such as card appearance between Jokers and visual transformations

  • Emphasizes presentation and choreography over complex mechanics

  • Suitable for close-up and parlour magic settings

Pros

  • Creates a powerful illusion of impossibility with minimal props

  • Spectator involvement and signing of the card enhance the personal impact

  • Versatile with bonus routines allowing for customized presentations

  • Highly praised by reviewers for its deceptive simplicity and strong audience reaction

Cons

  • Requires confident performance and timing to sell the psychological elements effectively

  • May not suit beginners due to the emphasis on misdirection and presentation

  • Limited to card-based effects, which might not appeal to those seeking variety in prop types

Effect

The Jokers trick presents a visual transformation of cards. A spectator sees multiple Jokers. These Jokers change one by one into a selected playing card. The changes can happen even while the spectator holds the cards. The final result is that all the Jokers have become the same card.

Full details

This trick uses a specific set of Casino-style playing cards. The routine involves a series of visual transformations. The magician shows a group of Jokers. Each Joker then visibly changes into a different card. The changes are clean and can happen in the spectator's hands. The method relies on a clever physical setup and psychological presentation. The trick is a modern adaptation of classic plot known as Wild Card.

Who should consider the trick

Magicians who perform with cards should consider this trick. It is suitable for both close-up and parlor settings. Mentalists may find the routine useful for themed performances. Performers looking for a visual and interactive trick will appreciate it. It is a good choice for magicians who want a strong, repeatable effect.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick requires some practice with card handling. The physical moves are not highly complex. A magician with basic card skills can learn the routine. The performance relies more on presentation than difficult sleight of hand. Confidence and clear instructions are important for the illusion. The creator states that the method is clever and well constructed.

What magicians say

Reviewers praise the trick for its impact. The creator from AlakazamMagicUK calls Jokers a "killer trick" and a "personal favorite." He describes it as a "must-have" for magicians. He notes that it is his twist on Peter Kane's Wild Card, using Casino-style cards. Another reviewer, Gordon Bean, discusses a similar principle in his trick Entourage, emphasizing that "the spectator’s belief that they are controlling the outcome is key." The trick is highlighted for creating a "moment of genuine astonishment" through its deceptive simplicity. BigBlindMedia notes that routines built with jokers demonstrate how "limitations can breed creativity," proving a powerful effect can come from minimal props.

What people are saying about Jokers

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Jokers is a killer trick with Casino-style cards where Jokers transform into a playing card one by one, even when held by the spectator.

BigBlindMedia says...

Demonstrates a routine built solely with jokers from a standard deck, highlighting themes of transformation, coincidence, and visual magic.

magic-tv says...

Alakazam Magic will have several new tricks at Blackpool 2024, including 'I Stretch' and 'The Extractor 2.0'.

penguinmagicshop says...

The spectator freely selects, signs, and loses a card. The signed card mysteriously appears between two Jokers.

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