Not the 21 Card Trick by Peter Turner

Effect

The "Not the 21 Card Trick" creates the illusion that the magician can predict a freely selected card from a borrowed and shuffled deck. A spectator divides the deck into two piles, looks at the bottom card of one pile, and buries it back into the deck. After some shuffling, the magician reveals a written prediction that matches the spectator’s chosen card. The effect appears clean and impossible, with no sleight of hand or gimmicks involved.

Full Details

This trick is based on a mathematical principle, making it self-working once understood. It can be performed with either a marked or unmarked deck. If using a marked deck, the magician can reveal the card as if reading the spectator’s mind. With a regular deck, the magician simply locates the card and turns it over. The routine requires no memorization, key cards, or advanced sleight of hand.

The download includes a 21-minute instructional video where Peter Turner demonstrates and explains the trick. The method is straightforward, relying on simple calculations that can be done mentally. The spectator controls the size of the piles, keeping the process fair and deceptive.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who want a quick, easy-to-learn routine that requires no setup. It works well for beginners due to its self-working nature, but experienced performers may also appreciate its deceptive simplicity. Those who enjoy mathematical card tricks or mentalism effects will find this particularly useful.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The trick is rated as easy to learn and perform. The only challenge is understanding the mathematical principle, which David from Magic Orthodoxy describes as "1+1=2 math." He admits struggling briefly with the counting portion but clarifies that the issue was due to his own inattention rather than the trick’s complexity. Once grasped, the method is straightforward and requires no advanced skills.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy highly recommends "Not the 21 Card Trick," calling it a "clever and accessible routine." He praises its deceptive simplicity, stating, "It's self-working, no sleight of hand, no cribs, no key cards." He also notes that while the video uses a marked deck, the trick can be adapted for a regular deck with minor adjustments.

His only critique was a brief moment of confusion with the math, but he emphasizes that this was due to his own oversight rather than a flaw in the method. Overall, he considers it a strong addition to any magician’s repertoire, especially for those who missed the "How to Read Minds 2" kit.