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Nine of Spades

The 'Nine of Spades' trick is a visually striking card illusion that can be performed in close-up or parlour settings. In one version, the magician forces the nine of spades on a spectator, then dramatically reveals it with a simple tap, creating a moment of apparent mind-reading. Another version uses video editing and a custom gimmick to make the nine of spades vanish from a phone screen, relying on precise timing and optical illusions. Buyers should note that one method is purely sleight-based, while the other requires video editing skills and a prepared gimmick.

Key features

  • Relies on a force of the nine of spades or a custom gimmick with cut-out pips.

  • Emphasizes presentation and misdirection over complex sleights.

  • Video-editing version requires precise timing and phone placement.

  • Can be performed with minimal props (deck of cards or phone).

  • Suitable for close-up or parlour magic.

Pros

  • Simple yet visually striking.

  • Versatile—can be performed with or without technology.

  • Strong audience impact with minimal setup.

  • Encourages creative presentation and patter.

Cons

  • Video-editing version requires technical skills and a prepared gimmick.

  • Timing and misdirection must be practiced for seamless execution.

  • Gimmick version may not withstand close examination if not handled carefully.

Effect

The Nine of Spades trick creates a moment of surprise where a spectator's chosen card appears to transform or vanish in a visually striking way. Depending on the method used, the effect can look like mind-reading (where the magician reveals the spectator's card with a simple tap) or an optical illusion (where the card's pips disappear from a phone screen). Both versions leave the audience questioning how the impossible moment happened.

Full Details

The trick has two distinct approaches:

  • Force-Based Method – The magician uses a classic force to ensure the spectator selects the nine of spades. A confident tap on the card makes it seem like the magician knew the selection all along. The presentation relies on strong verbal patter and misdirection to enhance the effect.

  • Video Illusion Method – A custom gimmicked nine of spades (with pips carefully cut out) is used alongside a pre-edited video. When placed against a phone screen, the card appears to vanish due to timed black squares in the video. A Jin switch allows the magician to secretly replace the gimmicked card with a normal one for examination.

    • Who Should Consider the Trick

    • Beginners will appreciate the force-based version for its simplicity and reliance on presentation rather than difficult sleights.
    • Tech-savvy performers may prefer the video illusion method, which blends classic magic with modern digital effects.
    • Close-up magicians looking for a quick, visual trick that plays well in casual settings.

    Difficulty

    • Force-Based Version – Easy to learn, requiring mostly confidence and good timing in presentation. No advanced sleight of hand is necessary.
    • Video Illusion Version – Moderate difficulty due to the need for precise timing, gimmick preparation, and the Jin switch. Performers must also be comfortable handling a phone as part of the routine.

    What Magicians Say

    • Mackenzie Sol emphasizes that the force-based version is all about presentation: "The simplicity of the trick allows for a focus on engaging the audience and creating a memorable experience."
    • Lloyd highlights the technical side of the video illusion method, noting that "precise timing and phone placement are crucial for the illusion." He also recommends wearing black attire to help conceal the gimmick.

    Both versions of the Nine of Spades trick offer strong visual impact, making them useful additions to a magician's repertoire. The choice between them depends on whether the performer prefers a classic, presentation-heavy approach or a modern, tech-assisted illusion.

    What people are saying about Nine of Spades

    Lloyd says...

    The trick's foundation lies in a short, edited video clip [...] The key is to time the appearance of the black square with the placement of a prepared card against the phone screen.

    Mackenzie Sol says...

    The key to the illusion is the confident presentation and the seemingly random placement of the spectator's card, which masks the fact that the magician has already controlled the outcome.

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