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Mad Switch by Daniel Madison

Created by: Daniel Madison

Mad Switch is a sophisticated close-up card magic routine that transforms a standard deck into a powerful gambling demonstration. A spectator shuffles and deals five random cards, which are then revealed to perfectly match the historic 1997 World Series of Poker winning hand of Stu Ungar, as depicted on a special 'POKER LESSON' gaff card included in UNGAR Playing Cards. This effect leverages psychological control and nuanced sleight-of-hand to create a compelling narrative of deception, making it ideal for magicians interested in advanced card manipulation and mentalism-like presentations. Buyers should note that the method is built into every UNGAR deck and requires mastery of various subtle card switches, with optional use of the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE for enhanced deception.

Key features

  • Built-in method with UNGAR Playing Cards featuring an updated POKER LESSON gaff card

  • Focus on 'Nuance Card Switches' for subtle, multi-moment execution during dealing

  • Teaches multiple techniques including Cohort Switch, Mad Switch, Perfect Deal, Heritage, Madison Shift, Pickup Switch, GC Switch, and Slap Switch

  • Utilizes the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE for secret card holding and switching

  • Centers around a gambling demonstration with a strong narrative tied to poker history

Pros

  • High deception level with switches executed during spectator dealing

  • Comprehensive tutorial covering multiple advanced techniques

  • Strong psychological impact with a compelling story element

  • Includes specialized equipment for versatile card magic applications

Cons

  • Requires significant practice to master the nuanced switches

  • Dependent on specific UNGAR Playing Cards for the built-in method

  • May be too advanced for beginners in card magic

Effect

The Mad Switch creates a powerful gambling demonstration. A participant shuffles a deck of cards and deals five cards at random. The magician then tells the story of poker legend Stu Ungar's 1997 World Series of Poker win. The magician shows an advertisement card from the deck that pictures Ungar's famous winning hand. The five cards the spectator just dealt are then turned over. They match the exact winning hand shown on the advertisement card. The effect is a direct and impossible coincidence.

Full details

The Mad Switch is a method for secretly exchanging cards. It is part of a larger routine called The WINNING Hand. The method is built into a specific deck of playing cards, the UNGAR Playing Cards. This deck includes a special gaff card. The gaff card looks like a standard advertisement card but it shows Stu Ungar's actual 1997 WSOP winning hand. This card is the key to the routine.

The project teaches a concept called 'Nuance Card Switches'. These are card switches that do not happen in one single moment. Instead, the switch is broken into several small, subtle actions. These actions can be performed while the participant is still dealing the cards. This makes the deception very difficult to detect.

A tool called the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE is also used. This device helps the magician secretly hold the pre-arranged winning hand and later conceal the cards that were switched out.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is for magicians who want to study advanced card manipulation. It is designed for performers interested in gambling demonstrations and psychological control. Daniel Madison states the project is a masterclass in the philosophy of deception. It is best for those who want to deepen their understanding of nuanced sleight-of-hand within a structured routine. Collectors of specialty playing cards may also be interested because the method requires the specific UNGAR deck.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Mad Switch and the associated routine require a high skill level. The tutorial covers multiple advanced techniques. These include the Cohort Switch, Perfect Deal, Madison Shift, and others. The concept of performing a switch over multiple moments while a participant deals adds a layer of complexity. Using the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE also requires practice to handle naturally. This is not a beginner trick. It demands dedicated practice to perform smoothly and convincingly.

What magicians say

Daniel Madison presents the Mad Switch as part of a deep study on card switches. He loved the idea of contrasting Stu Ungar's legitimate poker genius with the deceptive genius of a card mechanic. He explains the routine is an essay on deception, using a moment of poker history as its narrative backbone. The method is built into the UNGAR Playing Cards, and the full instructional video is available on his Patreon page, The Madison Library.

What people are saying about Mad Switch

Daniel Madison says...

The project is a deep study on card switches, framed around a powerful gambling demonstration. [...] It's designed for magicians looking to deepen their understanding of psychological control and nuanced sleight-of-hand within a structured, commercial routine.

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Tutorial videos