Sleightful logoSleightful

Overcoming the Signature by Michael Feldman

Created by: Michael Feldman

Overcoming the Signature is a card magic trick where a spectator signs a card, and through a series of deceptive maneuvers, the magician creates the illusion that the signed card has impossibly transformed or duplicated itself. This is a close-up magic trick that plays with the spectator's perception and memory, making it a powerful piece of mentalism and sleight of hand combined. Buyers should be prepared for advanced techniques, including palming and misdirection, to execute this convincingly.

Key features

  • Requires intermediate to advanced card handling skills

  • Involves palming and misdirection techniques

  • Highly interactive with the spectator's signature as a key element

  • Encourages creative adaptation to suit the performer's style

Pros

  • Strong visual and mental impact on spectators

  • Highly customizable for different performance styles

  • Engaging and interactive with the audience

Cons

  • Advanced techniques may be challenging for beginners

  • Requires precise timing and misdirection

Effect

The trick Overcoming the Signature involves a signed card that appears to defy logic. A spectator signs a card, which is then lost in the deck. Despite clear conditions—such as the spectator placing their finger on a different card—the signed card reappears under their finger. The effect is baffling because the spectator is certain they did not touch the signed card, yet it materializes where it shouldn’t be.

Full details

This trick is part of Michael Feldman’s book The Pages Are Blank. It uses duplicate cards with matching signatures to create impossible moments. The method relies on careful timing and psychological misdirection, allowing the magician to switch cards without detection. The routine includes variations like the Anniversary Waltz, where two signed cards fuse together, and transposition effects where signed cards move impossibly.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is for intermediate to advanced magicians comfortable with sleight of hand, particularly palming and card control. It requires confidence in handling duplicates and managing spectator attention. Those who enjoy strong, interactive card magic with a psychological edge will find this rewarding.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty is high. Moves like the one-handed two-card palm and precise timing for switches are challenging. Steve Faulkner notes that while some steps seem daunting, the book provides alternative methods for less experienced performers. The key is practice and understanding the psychological flow of the routine.

What magicians say

Steve Faulkner calls the trick "stunning" and praises its potential despite initial skepticism. He highlights the clever use of duplicates and misdirection, saying, "The more you read, the more you see the potential." He also appreciates Feldman’s approach to making advanced techniques feel achievable with practice. However, he warns that beginners may struggle with the sleights involved.

The trick is part of a broader philosophy in Feldman’s book, where strong magic comes from clear, committed performance rather than relying on pure deception. This makes Overcoming the Signature not just a trick, but a lesson in engaging spectators effectively.

What people are saying about Overcoming the Signature

Steve Faulkner says...

The more you read, the more you see the potential—it's actually really doable. This is where I'm not going to give you every single trick, but I'm going to say there is a suite of tricks including the whole last bit with this kind of open not prediction but using a mistake that apparently the spectator has made based on your communication.

Review videos