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Knockout Borrowed Deck Card Trick by Matt McGurk

Created by: Matt McGurk

The Knockout Borrowed Deck Card Trick is a **self-working card trick** that can be performed with a borrowed, shuffled deck, requiring no setup or sleight of hand. It's ideal for walkaround or casual performances. The trick involves a spectator shuffling and cutting the deck, followed by the magician removing a 'prediction' card (secretly one of four matching cards) while subtly positioning the remaining three at the bottom. Through a series of **false cuts and deals**, and a **reverse faro-like shuffle**, the trick culminates in the revelation of all four matching cards, creating a strong magical payoff.

Key features

  • No setup or sleight of hand required

  • Uses misdirection, false cuts, and a magic shuffle

  • Can be performed with a borrowed, shuffled deck

  • Ideal for walkaround or casual performances

  • Strong magical payoff with a four-of-a-kind climax

Pros

  • Impressive effect with minimal effort

  • Works with any borrowed deck

  • No need for advanced sleight of hand

  • Strong misdirection makes it magician-fooling

Cons

  • Requires understanding of misdirection and pacing

  • May need practice to perform the false cuts and shuffle naturally

Effect

The Knockout Borrowed Deck Card Trick looks like a fair and impossible demonstration of mind reading and control. A spectator shuffles and cuts a borrowed deck. The magician removes a single card as a prediction. The spectator deals cards into three piles while following the magician's instructions. When the prediction card is named and spelled out, all four matching cards appear in a surprising and magical way. The trick ends with a strong four-of-a-kind climax.

Full details

The Knockout Borrowed Deck Card Trick requires no setup or sleight of hand. It works with any borrowed and shuffled deck. The magician secretly controls four matching cards while making the spectator believe they have full control. The trick uses misdirection, false cuts, and a special shuffle to ensure the matching cards appear at the right moment. The method relies on clever handling rather than difficult moves, making it accessible to many performers.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who want a strong, impromptu card effect that can be performed anytime with a borrowed deck. It suits walkaround performers, close-up magicians, and those who prefer self-working or low-skill methods. Since it fools both lay audiences and experienced magicians, it is a good choice for performers who want a reliable, high-impact trick.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Knockout Borrowed Deck Card Trick is not technically difficult. It does not require advanced sleight of hand. Instead, it relies on timing, misdirection, and natural handling. The moves are designed to look fair and casual. Performers must focus on presentation and pacing to make the trick convincing. Beginners can learn it with practice, while experienced magicians will appreciate its deceptive simplicity.

What magicians say

Matt McGurk describes the trick as "a powerful self-working card trick that can fool even experienced magicians." He highlights its use of misdirection and false cuts to create a strong magical moment. The trick's ability to work with any borrowed deck makes it a practical choice for impromptu performances. McGurk also notes that the four-of-a-kind climax adds a memorable finish. The method stays hidden even when performing for knowledgeable audiences.

The Knockout Borrowed Deck Card Trick is praised for being easy to learn yet highly deceptive. It is a good option for magicians who want a reliable, no-setup effect with a strong payoff.

What people are saying about Knockout Borrowed Deck Card Trick

Matt McGurk says...

Matt McGurk loves this trick for its **impromptu, no-gimmick nature** and strong magical payoff. It’s ideal for walkaround or casual performances where a borrowed deck is the only requirement.

Tutorial videos