New Wave by Victor Sanz and João Miranda

Effect

New Wave by Victor Sanz is a modern take on the classic Brainwave plot. A spectator freely names any card value from Ace to King. The magician then produces a wallet containing four cards. The spectator selects a suit, and when the cards are revealed, only their chosen card is face-up with a red back, while the others remain face-down with blue backs. The effect is clean, direct, and appears completely fair, leaving the audience amazed at the impossibility of the prediction.

Full Details

New Wave is a self-contained card prediction effect that uses a specially designed wallet. The spectator has complete freedom in naming any card value, eliminating the need for forced selections. The wallet holds four cards, and through a clever method, only the spectator’s chosen card appears face-up with a contrasting back color.

The wallet is made of real leather, which may feel stiff initially but softens with use. It includes receipts or currency (depending on the version) to maintain the illusion of an everyday wallet. The trick comes with gimmicked cards and blank-faced Bicycle cards for the reveal. The method is angle-proof, making it suitable for close-up performances.

Who Should Consider the Trick

New Wave is ideal for magicians who:

• Want a strong, self-working prediction effect.
• Perform walk-around or close-up magic.
• Appreciate angle-proof methods.
• Enjoy wallet-based tricks but want something more versatile than traditional Brainwave routines.

It may not be the best choice for those who prefer minimal carry items or dislike wallet-based effects.

Difficulty

The trick is relatively easy to perform, with no advanced sleight of hand required. The method relies on the gimmicked wallet and a simple handling process. The tutorial by João Miranda is clear, though some reviewers note it lacks performance theory. The reset takes about 10-15 seconds and must be done away from spectators.

What Magicians Say

• Magic-TV (Craig & Ryland):

  • "The method is genius—it’s cleaner than traditional Brainwave and gives the spectator complete freedom."
  • "The wallet is a bit bulky, but the effect is commercial and fooled us the first time we saw it."
  • "87% from Craig, 98% from Ryland—plus a 'juling' (high praise)."

• Monster Magic Shop (Alex Kirk):

  • "A magician fooler—very clean handling and spectator freedom."
  • "The wallet is functional but stiff at first. The method is clever, though I’m not sure it’s significantly stronger than cheaper Brainwave alternatives."
  • "Great for walk-around, but the price may be a consideration."

New Wave is praised for its method and spectator impact, though some question whether it justifies the cost compared to simpler Brainwave variants. If you enjoy wallet tricks and want a foolproof prediction effect, this is a strong contender.