No Setup Easy Card Trick
Key features
Self-working with no setup required, making it impromptu and easy to perform
Relies on mathematical principles and clever structuring, eliminating the need for sleight of hand
Highly commercial, direct, visual, and memorable for spectators
Suitable for beginners and professionals, ideal as a strong opener or in walkaround settings
Performance tips focus on presentation, storytelling, pacing, and audience management
Pros
Easy to learn and perform, great for all skill levels
No sleight of hand needed, reducing the barrier to entry
Highly deceptive and can fool experienced audiences
Versatile for various performance environments
Cons
Relies on mathematical structure, which might feel less magical if not presented well
May require strong performance skills to elevate beyond a puzzle effect
Effect
The No Setup Easy Card Trick creates a surprising and direct moment of magic. A spectator freely selects a card. The magician then reveals the chosen card in a way that feels impossible. The entire process appears fair and requires no preparation from the performer.
Full details
This is a self-working card trick. It uses a mathematical principle to achieve the effect. No sleight of hand is needed. The trick is impromptu, meaning it can be done with any borrowed deck of cards. There is no pre-show setup required. The method is automatic once you learn the simple procedure.
Who should consider the trick
This trick is for all magicians. Beginners will find it easy to learn and perform. Professionals can use it as a strong, reliable piece. It works well as an opening trick. It is also good for walkaround magic or social settings. It is ideal for performers who want a powerful effect without difficult moves.
Information on how difficult it is to perform
The trick is not difficult to perform. The method is self-working. This means the procedure does the magic for you. You only need to follow the steps. There are no advanced card techniques to master. The challenge is in the performance, not the method. You must focus on your presentation and audience management.
What magicians say
MattMcGurk states this trick is "highly commercial, direct, visual, and memorable for spectators." He calls it "self-working" and says it requires "no setup." He notes it is "perfect for magicians of all levels" and is a "reliable, impromptu piece." MattMcGurk emphasizes that the trick can "fool the pants off anyone" and is "ideal for walkaround or social settings." He confirms that "no sleight of hand is required" and the method relies on "mathematical principles."
What people are saying about No Setup Easy Card Trick
MattMcGurk says...
This trick requires absolutely no setup, making it perfect for magicians of all levels—from beginners looking for a strong opener to professionals wanting a reliable, impromptu piece. [...] It’s self-working nature means there’s no sleight of hand required; the method relies entirely on mathematical principles and clever structuring.
Tutorial videos
No Setup Easy Card Trick - Fool the Pants Off Anyone! [Tutorial]
MattMcGurk mentioned this magic trick in this video.