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Out of Sight, Out of Mind by Dai Vernon

Created by: Dai Vernon

Out of Sight, Out of Mind is a classic card magic trick where a spectator's selected card vanishes from the deck and reappears in an impossible location, often the magician's pocket or another unexpected place. This close-up magic trick relies on clever sleight of hand and psychological misdirection, making it a favorite among card magicians for its strong visual impact and audience engagement. Buyers should note that mastering this trick requires practice with card controls and vanishes, but the payoff is a highly deceptive and memorable performance.

Key features

  • Classic card magic trick with a strong visual vanish and reappearance

  • Relies on sleight of hand and misdirection

  • Suitable for close-up performances

  • Requires practice to master the card controls and vanishes

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and visually impressive

  • Timeless effect that fools audiences

  • Versatile for various performance settings

Cons

  • Requires intermediate card handling skills

  • May need additional setup or gimmicks depending on the version

Effect

"Out of Sight, Out of Mind" is a card trick where a spectator selects a card, which then vanishes from the deck and reappears in an impossible location. The effect is clean and direct, making it highly deceptive. The magician shows the deck is normal, yet the chosen card seems to defy logic by disappearing and reappearing at will.

Full details

The trick involves a series of well-timed moves and psychological subtleties to create the illusion. The spectator believes they have a free choice, but the magician controls the outcome seamlessly. The method relies on fundamental card techniques, making it accessible to those with intermediate card handling skills. The trick can be performed in close-up or stand-up settings, and its structure allows for flexible presentation.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who want a strong, self-working effect with minimal setup. It works well for performers who enjoy interactive magic where the spectator feels involved. If you like tricks with a clear, visual payoff, "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" is a solid choice.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is rated as intermediate in difficulty. It requires confidence in basic card controls and misdirection but does not demand advanced sleight of hand. With practice, the moves become smooth and natural. Steve Faulkner noted that Paul Wilson’s version was "commercial and simple to follow," making it approachable for those familiar with card magic.

What magicians say

Steve Faulkner praised the trick, saying Paul Wilson’s handling was "really nice" and easy to follow. He compared it favorably to other versions, noting its clarity and effectiveness. Another reviewer highlighted the trick’s deceptive nature, calling it a "beautiful piece of magic" that works well in table-hopping or close-up scenarios.

The trick’s simplicity and strong impact make it a favorite among performers who value practicality and audience reaction. If you’re looking for a reliable, engaging card trick, "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" is worth exploring.

What people are saying about Out of Sight, Out of Mind

RealMagicReview says...

Out of Sight, Out of Mind is a beautiful piece of magic... just doing gigs and lots of tables, it isn't something I did, and I think that it's something I really want to explore.

RealMagicReview (Steve Faulkner) says...

Paul Wilson did a really nice Out of Sight, Out of Mind which is good because I've read Dai Vernon and obviously I've seen it's a great trick, but he did it in a really really good way.

Review videos