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King of Spades by CardMechanic

Created by: CardMechanic

The 'King of Spades' trick is a versatile card force that can be adapted to various routines, making it a staple for magicians. It involves techniques like the 'Double Riffle Force,' where strategic shuffles and controlled stops ensure the King of Spades (or any chosen card) is revealed as the spectator's selection. The trick is ideal for close-up magic and can be performed with any deck, though high-quality cards like the 'Canis Lupus Alphalux' or 'Good Pals Halloween Tales V2' are recommended for smoother execution. The method relies on subtle misdirection, memorization, and natural movements to create a seamless illusion of free choice.

Key features

  • Adaptable to any card force

  • Relies on controlled shuffles and stops

  • Suitable for close-up magic

  • Works with any deck but enhanced by premium cards

  • Emphasizes natural movements and misdirection

Pros

  • Simple yet effective method

  • Highly deceptive

  • Versatile for different routines

  • Strong audience impact

Cons

  • Requires practice for consistent stops

  • Dependent on smooth execution

Effect

The King of Spades trick is a card force that allows a magician to make a spectator freely select a specific card—in this case, the King of Spades—while maintaining the illusion of a completely random choice. The spectator believes they have full control over the selection, but the magician ensures the King of Spades is always the chosen card.

Full Details

The trick can be performed using different forcing techniques, as demonstrated by the reviewers.

  • Double Riffle Force – The magician places the King of Spades on top of the deck, performs two riffle shuffles with controlled stops, and the card remains in position to be revealed as the spectator’s selection.
  • Memorization & Prediction – The magician memorizes the 12th card from the bottom, uses misdirection while removing jokers, and places a written prediction ("This must be it") in a strategic location. The spectator’s selection (King of Spades) is revealed by spelling out the prediction.
  • Thumb Force Variation – The King of Spades is placed at the bottom of the deck, and the magician uses subtle thumb control to ensure it is the card revealed when the spectator calls "stop."

    • Each method ensures the King of Spades is the selected card while maintaining the illusion of a fair choice.

    Who Should Consider the Trick

    This trick is ideal for magicians who want a reliable, deceptive force that can be adapted to different routines. It works well for:

    • Performers who enjoy interactive card magic.
    • Those who want a strong opener to engage an audience quickly.
    • Magicians who appreciate methods that allow spectators to shuffle and cut the deck freely.

    Difficulty Level

    The difficulty varies slightly depending on the method used:

    • Double Riffle Force – Moderate. Requires consistent stop points in riffle shuffles.
    • Memorization & Prediction – Intermediate. Relies on memorization and smooth misdirection.
    • Thumb Force Variation – Beginner-friendly. Focuses on natural hand movements.

    With practice, all versions can be performed convincingly.

    What Magicians Say

    • CardMechanic (Double Riffle Force) – "The key is consistency in the stop points. Any card can be forced, but the King of Spades makes for a strong visual."
    • CardMechanic (Memorization & Prediction) – "The spectator has full control, which makes the reveal even more impossible. The King of Spades is a great choice for impact."
    • CardMechanic (Thumb Force Variation) – "This was the first trick to ever fool me. Smooth movements sell the illusion, and themed cards like Halloween Tales V2 add extra flair."

    The King of Spades trick is a versatile and deceptive method that can enhance any card magic routine. Whether using riffle shuffles, predictions, or thumb control, the effect remains strong and baffling for audiences.

    What people are saying about King of Spades

    CardMechanic says...

    The 'Double Riffle Force' is a straightforward method for forcing a specific card, like the King of Spades, onto a spectator. [...] Consistency in the 'stop' points is crucial for success.

    Tutorial videos