No Palm Queens to Pocket by Jack Carpenter and Jamie Masterson

Effect

The No Palm Queens to Pocket is a deceptive and visually engaging card routine. The magician shows four queens, which then vanish one by one, only to reappear in an impossible location—such as the magician's pocket—without any visible palming or sleight of hand. The effect is clean, surprising, and leaves the audience wondering how the cards could have traveled so seamlessly.

Full Details

This routine is part of Carpenter’s Conceptions, a book by Jack Carpenter and Jamie Masterson. The book contains 35 submissions, primarily card tricks, along with detailed instructions on seven sleights. No Palm Queens to Pocket is highlighted as one of the standout routines, showcasing Carpenter’s ability to create strong magic with minimal handling. The book emphasizes practical, road-tested material, meaning this trick has been refined over years of performance.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for magicians who:

• Enjoy clean, visual card magic with strong audience reactions.
• Prefer methods that avoid obvious sleight-heavy handling, as the name suggests no palming is required.
• Appreciate classic, technically demanding magic in the style of Jack Carpenter.
• Are familiar with Carpenter’s previous works (Modus Operandi, The Expert’s Portfolio) and want to expand their repertoire with new material.

Difficulty

The trick is described as deceptive and well-structured, meaning the method is clever rather than overly complex. However, like many of Carpenter’s routines, it may require precision in execution to maintain the illusion of impossibility. The book provides detailed instructions, making it accessible to intermediate to advanced card workers. Beginners may need extra practice to perform it smoothly.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy praises the routine, calling it "deceptive and visually engaging." He highlights Carpenter’s ability to "take his audience down one path and then completely shift direction at the end," creating a strong sense of surprise. The book itself is described as "old school" in style, with clear black-and-white photographs and thorough explanations.

For magicians who enjoy strong, well-constructed card magic, No Palm Queens to Pocket is a compelling addition to their repertoire. The routine’s deceptive nature and lack of obvious sleight-of-hand make it a practical choice for real-world performances.