Jupiter by Thomas Bader

Effect

The audience sees a deck of cards split into two halves. One half is shuffled by the performer, and the other half is shuffled by a spectator. The spectator places their half under the table, cuts it, and reverses a card in the middle. The performer writes a number on a Post-it note. When the spectator spreads their half, the reversed card is revealed. The performer then spreads their own half, counts to the written number, and the card at that position matches the spectator’s reversed card. The kicker comes when the performer reveals that every card in both halves aligns perfectly, as if the shuffled decks were identical all along.

Full Details

Jupiter is a card trick that uses a hidden gimmick to create an impossible matching effect. The gimmick is never seen during the routine, making the trick highly deceptive. The deck must be set up in a specific way before performing, meaning it is dedicated to this trick and cannot be used for other routines without resetting. The trick requires an opaque table, as part of the method involves actions performed beneath it.

The routine includes a strong finish where every card in both halves matches, adding an extra layer of impossibility. The gimmick is well-made and disguised, though it does not use standard Bicycle stock. The trick resets quickly, taking about 15 to 20 seconds, and is easy to perform once the initial setup is complete.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Jupiter is ideal for magicians who perform in seated settings, such as close-up or parlor shows. It works best with an audience that can gather around a table. The trick is not suitable for table-hopping or situations where an opaque table is unavailable.

Magicians who enjoy strong, self-working effects with minimal sleight of hand will appreciate Jupiter. It is also a good choice for those who like utility devices that can be adapted for multiple routines.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The trick is not difficult to perform. The method relies on the gimmick and choreographed actions rather than complex sleight of hand. The biggest challenge is the initial setup, which requires careful preparation. Once set up, the routine flows smoothly with minimal effort.

AlexisReviews rates the difficulty as two stars out of four, noting that the trick is easy to perform after the initial setup.

What Magicians Say

AlexisReviews calls Jupiter "very clever" and praises the gimmick for being well-disguised. She says, "The first time I saw it, I was completely baffled... it was so logical in the construction of the routine." She also highlights the double-ending surprise as a strong point.

Craig Petty from Magic TV includes Jupiter in his top 10 tricks from the Blackpool Magic Convention 2024. He describes it as "an incredible matching routine where it feels like there's no way that the cards can match and yet they do."

Alex Kirk from Monster Magic Shop describes the matching sequence as "astonishingly powerful" and praises the versatility of the gimmick for stacked-deck workers. He notes that the trick is table-dependent but highly effective in the right setting.

Overall, magicians agree that Jupiter is a strong, deceptive trick with a surprising finish. The main limitations are the need for an opaque table and a dedicated deck setup.