NEC Plus Ultra by Joseph B

Effect

The NEC Plus Ultra trick by Joseph B is a semi-automatic card miracle. A spectator freely cuts the deck and looks at a card without the magician seeing it. The magician then names a random position in the deck (e.g., "30th card") and counts down to that exact position—revealing the spectator’s chosen card. The effect is clean, direct, and appears impossible, leaving both magicians and lay audiences stunned.

Full Details

• Method: The trick uses a clever principle to ensure the spectator’s cut card is always at the named position.
• Handling: The spectator cuts the deck multiple times, making the selection process seem fair.
• Gimmick-Free: Works with a borrowed, shuffled deck.
• Versatility: Can be performed impromptu with minimal setup.

Who Should Consider the Trick

• Close-up magicians looking for a strong, quick card trick.
• Mentalists who want a direct "thought-of card at a named position" effect.
• Magicians who perform for other magicians, as this is a known fooler.

Difficulty

• Skill Level: Intermediate. While not entirely self-working, it does not require advanced sleight of hand.
• Practice Needed: Smooth handling and natural counting are key. The trick requires rehearsal to make the process look effortless.
• Performance Tips: Focus on making the spectator’s cuts appear random and emphasize the fairness of the selection.

What Magicians Say

• Penguin Magic Shop calls it a "fooler for magicians and lay audiences alike," praising its deceptive simplicity.
• One reviewer mentions, "I've been pulling this out in jam sessions to get people's brains spinning... it's worth the practice."
• Another notes, "An absolute miracle from a shuffled, borrowed pack."

The NEC Plus Ultra trick is a powerful addition to any magician’s repertoire, offering a strong, baffling effect with minimal setup.