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NYC Opener by Mark Elsdon

Created by: Mark Elsdon

The NYC Opener is a captivating open prediction card trick that plays well in close-up or parlour settings. The performer writes a prediction on a post-it note, which is shown to most spectators while one participant secretly selects a card by touching it in a spread. The prediction matches their chosen card. In a second phase, another prediction is written (not revealed), the chosen card is lost in the deck, and the spectator counts the cards—only to find the deck has 51 cards instead of 52. The missing card is revealed inside the card box, which the performer never touched. This trick requires no sleight of hand, making it beginner-friendly, but includes gimmicks for a powerful, spectator-driven effect.

Key features

  • No sleight of hand required, ideal for beginners

  • Uses gimmicked cards and post-it notes

  • Works in close-up or parlour settings

  • Spectator-heavy involvement enhances the experience

  • Two-phase routine for added impact

Pros

  • Easy to perform with minimal setup

  • Strong audience reactions

  • Versatile for different performance settings

  • Includes optional sleight-of-hand variations for advanced performers

Cons

  • Requires gimmicked cards (included)

  • Limited to card-based performances

Effect

The NYC Opener is a two-phase open prediction card trick. In the first phase, the magician writes a prediction on a post-it note, which three spectators see. A fourth spectator freely selects a card from a spread deck, and the prediction matches their choice. In the second phase, the magician writes another prediction without revealing it. The chosen card is lost in the deck, and the spectator counts the cards face-up, only to find one card missing. The missing card is revealed inside the card box, matching the second prediction.

Full details

The NYC Opener uses gimmicked cards and post-it notes but requires no sleight of hand, making it accessible for beginners. The trick includes two versions—one with optional sleight of hand for a more polished performance and one without. The method ensures strong audience participation, with the spectator handling the deck and counting the cards themselves. The gimmicks are high-quality and blend seamlessly with standard Bicycle cards.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits mentalists and card magicians who perform close-up or parlor magic. It works well for performers who enjoy prediction effects and want a routine that engages multiple spectators. Beginners will appreciate the lack of sleight-of-hand requirements, while experienced magicians can enhance it with optional techniques.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The NYC Opener is beginner-friendly, with no complex sleight of hand needed. The gimmicks are easy to handle, and the method relies on simple, well-structured steps. The optional sleight-of-hand version adds minimal difficulty for those who want to refine the effect.

What magicians say

Fiddlinjonny praises the NYC Opener, calling it "super easy" and "very powerful." He highlights its spectator involvement, noting that "the performer never goes near the card box," making the reveal more deceptive. He also appreciates the two uncut performances included in the tutorial, which demonstrate the trick in different settings. According to him, the routine is "great for mentalists" and works well in professional performances.

What people are saying about NYC Opener

fiddlinjonny says...

I freaking love this product... it is truly unbelievable way over the rainbow awesome stuff. The NYC Opener is super easy—a beginner can do this with no sleight of hand involved at all.

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