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Knock 'em Dead by Peter Nardi

Created by: Peter Nardi

Knock 'Em Dead is a classic card magic trick that combines mentalism and prediction for a stunning effect. A spectator deals cards face up, stopping whenever they choose, and the magician reveals that the Joker has perfectly predicted their selected card. This self-working trick requires no sleight of hand, making it accessible for magicians of all levels. It’s perfect for walk-around, close-up, or parlour magic, and its instant reset allows for repeated performances. The 25th Anniversary Edition includes refinements to enhance its impact, making it a must-have for any magician’s repertoire.

Key features

  • Self-working trick with no sleight of hand required

  • Instant reset for repeated performances

  • Uses a Joker as a clever prediction element

  • Perfect for walk-around, close-up, or parlour magic

  • 25th Anniversary Edition includes updated refinements

  • Strong visual impact and audience engagement

Pros

  • Easy to learn and perform, suitable for beginners and pros

  • Highly deceptive and engaging for audiences

  • Self-contained effect with no additional setup needed

  • Produces strong reactions from both magicians and lay audiences

  • Instant reset allows for quick repeat performances

Cons

  • Requires a specific setup with 52 cards and a Joker

  • May not be suitable for impromptu performances

Effect

The trick 'Knock 'Em Dead' creates a powerful moment of surprise and wonder. A spectator deals cards face up until they decide to stop. The next face-down card is revealed, and it matches a prediction made earlier, often using the Joker. The effect is clean, fair, and leaves the audience amazed by the magician's apparent ability to predict their choice.

Full details

'Knock 'Em Dead' is a self-working card trick that requires no sleight of hand. It uses a standard deck of 52 cards and a Joker. The spectator deals cards face up, stopping whenever they choose. The magician's prediction, often written on the Joker, matches the next face-down card. The trick is easy to set up and resets instantly, making it ideal for repeated performances. It is suitable for walk-around magic and works well in various settings.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is perfect for magicians of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. It is especially appealing to those who enjoy mentalism and card magic. If you are looking for a trick that is easy to learn, quick to perform, and consistently produces strong reactions, 'Knock 'Em Dead' is an excellent choice.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

'Knock 'Em Dead' is very easy to perform. It requires no sleight of hand and can be learned in 5-10 minutes. The trick is self-working, meaning the method handles itself, allowing the magician to focus on presentation and audience interaction. This makes it accessible even for those new to magic.

What magicians say

Magicians praise 'Knock 'Em Dead' for its simplicity and impact. AlakazamMagicUK notes that it is "easy to learn in 5-10 minutes with no sleight of hand required" and produces a "strong magical moment with a perfect prediction." Craig Petty from Magic TV highlights its deceptive nature, calling it "highly deceptive and engaging for audiences." Peter Nardi, the creator, emphasizes its versatility, describing it as a "self-contained, powerful effect for walk-around magic." Overall, magicians agree that 'Knock 'Em Dead' is a reliable, crowd-pleasing trick that delivers strong reactions every time.

What people are saying about Knock 'em Dead

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The trick plays with the idea of free choice while maintaining control, creating a visually striking and flawlessly performed effect.

magic-tv says...

The trick offers a clean and impressive card prediction effect, with the 25th Anniversary Edition likely including updates or refinements.

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