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Multi-Phase Routine by Nolan Slay

Created by: Nolan Slay

Multi-Phase Routine is a versatile close-up card magic system built around a single, powerful under-the-table card force. From the spectator's perspective, they freely choose a card from a fairly shuffled deck, only for that selection to become the centerpiece of multiple astonishing effects. The routine includes four distinct phases: a direct revelation where their chosen card is magically revealed, a transposition or location effect where their card impossibly moves or changes places, a prediction effect where a previously stated prophecy matches their selection, and a multi-phase routine that builds to a surprising climax. This approach allows magicians to create a professional-caliber set of effects using one core technique, emphasizing presentation and routining over complex sleight-of-hand. Buyers should know this is ideal for close-up or parlour settings, requires practice to execute the force smoothly and naturally, and is designed for magicians who want to build multiple routines from a single foundational method.

Key features

  • Built around a single under-the-table card force that powers four distinct trick presentations

  • Emphasizes presentation and routining over learning numerous complex sleights

  • Features strong magician's choice qualities for seemingly impossible outcomes

  • Includes a direct revelation, transposition/location effect, prediction effect, and multi-phase routine

  • Requires natural handling and smooth execution to sell the illusion of a fair shuffle and free choice

  • Ideal for close-up or parlour magic settings

Pros

  • Versatile system allowing multiple effects from one core technique

  • Minimizes the need to learn complex sleights by focusing on presentation

  • Strong misdirection and psychological power from the under-the-table force

  • Professional-caliber effects suitable for performance

  • Clear tutorial structure with four complete trick demonstrations

Cons

  • Requires significant practice to execute the force smoothly and naturally

  • Relies heavily on the performer's ability to sell the illusion of fair handling

  • May not be suitable for performers uncomfortable with under-the-table techniques

  • Limited to card-based effects

Effect

The Multi-Phase Routine is a series of card tricks built from one core method. To the audience, it appears the magician fairly shuffles a deck under the table. A spectator freely chooses a card. The magician then performs multiple different miracles with that single chosen card. These miracles can include instantly revealing the card, making it transpose with another, showing it was predicted in advance, and building to a final surprising conclusion.

Full details

This is not a single trick but a system for creating multiple routines. The core method is a card force performed while the deck is handled under the table. This action happens out of the spectator's sight during an apparent shuffle. The method provides strong control over the spectator's choice. Once the card is forced, the magician can present it in several ways. The system includes instructions for four complete tricks: a direct revelation, a transposition or location effect, a prediction effect, and a multi-phase routine. The focus is on using one reliable technique to power different presentations.

Who should consider the trick

This system is good for magicians who want to build a set of card tricks from one method. It is suitable for performers who prefer strong psychological forces over complex sleight of hand. It is also useful for magicians who want to minimize the number of techniques they must practice. The system helps create a professional act with multiple phases from a single foundation.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty is moderate. The physical execution of the under-the-table force requires practice to make it look natural. The real challenge is in the presentation. The magician must convincingly sell the illusion of a fair shuffle and a free choice. The success of all four trick presentations depends on this. The tutorials emphasize smooth execution and natural handling. Once the force is mastered, the presented routines add layers of presentation rather than complex new sleights.

What magicians say

Reviewer Nolan Slay highlights the system's efficiency. He states this approach "minimizes the need to learn numerous complex sleights by focusing on presentation and routining around one core technique." He praises the force for its "misdirection and psychological power." The method is described as having "strong magician's choice qualities, allowing for seemingly impossible outcomes from the spectator's perspective." The overall premise is that a single, well-practiced force can be the engine for multiple professional effects.

What people are saying about Multi-Phase Routine

AMillionCardTricks says...

The video teaches a single card force performed under the table, praised for its misdirection and psychological power. [...] Nolan Slay highlights that this approach minimizes the need to learn numerous complex sleights by focusing on presentation and routining around one core technique.

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