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Marlo Convincing Control by Larry Jennings and Chris Carter

Created by: Larry Jennings, Chris Carter

The Marlo Convincing Control is a deceptive card trick that allows the performer to secretly place a spectator's chosen card at the bottom of the deck. This trick is part of close-up magic and is known for its impromptu nature, requiring no special setup. The core of the effect involves the Larry Reverse, a move that creates the illusion of turning a single card face up when, in reality, two cards are turned face down simultaneously. The trick is visual, effective, and can be performed with any deck of cards, making it versatile for various performance settings.

Key features

  • Impromptu and can be performed with any deck of cards

  • Relies on the Marlo Convincing Control to place the chosen card at the bottom of the deck

  • Uses the Larry Reverse for the deceptive reveal

  • Emphasizes speed and nonchalant presentation for effectiveness

  • Suitable for close-up magic performances

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and visual

  • No special setup required

  • Versatile and can be performed in various settings

  • Relies on misdirection and timing rather than complex sleight of hand

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the Larry Reverse and ensure smooth execution

  • Speed is crucial, which may be challenging for beginners

Effect

The Marlo Convincing Control is a deceptive card control that allows a magician to secretly move a spectator’s chosen card to the bottom of the deck. The effect appears completely fair—the card seems to be lost in the middle of the deck, but the magician can later reveal it with precision. When combined with the Larry Reverse, the trick creates the illusion of instantly turning the chosen card face up in the deck with a fast, casual motion.

Full Details

The trick consists of two main components:

  • The Marlo Convincing Control – A subtle method for secretly placing a selected card on the bottom of the deck. It mimics a standard spread or dribble action, making the control appear natural.
  • The Larry Reverse – A deceptive move where the magician appears to turn a single card face up, but actually flips two cards (the spectator’s card and an indifferent card) face down. This creates the illusion that the chosen card has been instantly located.

    • The trick is impromptu, requiring no setup, and can be performed with any borrowed deck. Speed and misdirection play crucial roles in making the deception convincing.

    Who Should Consider the Trick

    This trick is ideal for:

    • Magicians who prefer impromptu card magic.
    • Performers who enjoy quick, visual effects.
    • Those comfortable with basic card controls and double-card handling.

    It may not be suitable for beginners unfamiliar with card controls, as the Larry Reverse requires practice to execute smoothly.

    Difficulty

    The Marlo Convincing Control is relatively easy to learn, especially for those familiar with basic card controls. The Larry Reverse requires more practice to perform convincingly—speed and natural movement are key.

    Chris Carter emphasizes that the trick’s effectiveness relies on presentation rather than complex sleight of hand. With enough rehearsal, intermediate magicians should be able to perform it well.

    What Magicians Say

    Chris Carter, who popularized the trick, praises its deceptive simplicity:

    "The trick's appeal lies in its impromptu nature—you can do it anytime, anywhere, with any deck of cards."

    He stresses the importance of speed and nonchalance:

    "The quicker the action, the less likely the audience is to scrutinize it. The reverse should appear casual and effortless."

    The Larry Reverse is described as the heart of the deception, with Carter advising:

    "Practice the move until it feels natural. The goal is to make it look like you're just turning a single card over, not performing a complex sleight."

    Overall, the Marlo Convincing Control and its combination with the Larry Reverse offer a fast, deceptive, and highly practical card trick for magicians who value impromptu performance.

    What people are saying about Marlo Convincing Control

    SeanDevine says...

    The trick's appeal lies in its impromptu nature – it can be performed with any deck of cards at any time. [...] The core of the effect involves seemingly locating a spectator's chosen card using a rapid 'reverse' action.

    Tutorial videos