One for the Diary by Grum

Effect

One for the Diary by Grum is a classic diary trick where a spectator names a special date that holds personal meaning to them. The magician opens a small diary to that date, revealing a playing card written inside. The deck is then spread to show that the chosen card is the only one with a different back—marked with "Special Day" in red. The effect combines prediction, personalization, and a visually striking reveal.

Full Details

The trick uses a pocket-sized diary, slightly larger than a deck of cards, making it easy to carry. The diary contains entries for every day of the year, each associated with a playing card. However, not all 52 cards appear in the diary—some are repeated due to the 365-day format. The deck itself is gimmicked, meaning it cannot be fully examined by spectators.

The method is straightforward: the spectator selects a date, the magician locates the corresponding card in the diary, and then reveals that the matching card in the deck has a unique back. While the diary can be handed to the spectator to verify the date and card, the deck remains under the magician’s control.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for performers who enjoy:

• Personalized magic—tying a trick to a spectator’s meaningful date.
• Close-up or walk-around performances—the diary is compact and portable.
• Classic plots—those who appreciate traditional magic with a modern presentation.

However, magicians who prioritize fully examinable props may find the limitations of the diary and deck a drawback.

Difficulty

One for the Diary is easy to perform with minimal sleight of hand required. The method relies on presentation rather than complex moves, making it accessible to beginners while still effective for experienced performers. The key challenge is maintaining smooth handling of the diary and deck to avoid drawing attention to the gimmicked elements.

What Magicians Say

Mark from SaturnMagicShop notes that while the trick works well, it has some limitations:

• "The diary isn’t as clean as some other diary effects because not all 52 cards are represented uniquely."
• "The deck isn’t examinable, which might disappoint some performers who prefer cleaner methods."
• "At £60, it’s a bit pricey for what it offers, especially if you’re familiar with other diary tricks."

Despite these points, he acknowledges that it’s a ready-made solution for those who want a quick, performable diary effect without the hassle of creating their own.

For magicians who value convenience and a classic plot, One for the Diary by Grum is a solid choice. Those seeking a more examinable or customizable version may prefer alternative diary tricks.