Overkill by Grant Maidman

Created by: Grant Maidman

Overkill is a captivating close-up card magic trick created by Grant Maidman, designed for professional performances. In this visually stunning routine, the magician presents a deck of cards, and three blank cards are shown. Spectators select cards from a shuffled deck, and these blank cards visually print or transform to reveal the selected cards in a magical color-changing effect. The climax involves revealing that the cards are from different-colored decks, leaving everything examinable for a strong, fair impression. This trick is ideal for walk-around or bar settings, emphasizing minimal sleight-of-hand and high impact, making it a reliable closer for any card magic set.

Key features

Uses shuffled-deck conditions for fairness and practicality
Minimal sleight-of-hand required, making it accessible for various skill levels
Leaves all props examinable, enhancing the trick's credibility
Versatile framework that can be adapted or combined with other effects
Strong visual impact suitable for professional close-up performances

Pros

Highly visual and engaging for spectators
Easy to perform with low technical demands
Examinable elements build trust and astonishment
Adaptable for different performance styles

Cons

May require specific card setups or multiple decks, limiting impromptu use
Could be less effective if not paired with strong storytelling

Effect

The Overkill trick is a color changing deck routine. A spectator selects three cards. The magician shows three blank cards. The blank cards visually print the spectator's chosen cards. The magician then reveals that the printed cards are from decks of different colors. The deck and cards can be examined by the audience at the end.

Full details

Overkill is a card trick created by Grant Maidman. It is a packet trick that uses a small number of cards. The routine is known for its strong visual impact. The effect leaves all props examinable. It is designed to be a reliable closer for a performance. The method is practical for real world conditions.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is suitable for magicians who perform with cards. It is ideal for those who want a high impact visual effect. It works well for walk around or close up magic. Magicians who prefer routines that do not require complex sleight of hand may find it appealing. Daniel Chard notes the material is suitable for professional performances.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick has minimal sleight of hand requirements. Daniel Chard states the material is designed for shuffled deck conditions with minimal sleights. The method is practical and focuses on strong performance over technical difficulty. This makes it accessible for magicians with varying skill levels.

What magicians say

Daniel Chard praises Overkill for its visual impact and examinability. He describes it as a color changing deck effect with a packet twist. He includes it as a bonus trick in his lecture on strong, practical card magic. Christopher Taylor selected Overkill as one of his desert island tricks. This indicates he considers it a fundamental and powerful effect. Taylor's choice reflects his innovative and narrative driven style, suggesting the trick supports strong storytelling.

What people are saying about Overkill

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The Overkill routine is praised for its visual impact and examinability, making it a reliable closer. [...] A color-changing deck effect with a packet twist, leaving everything examinable.

Christopher Taylor says...

Overkill is selected as a desert island pick, reflecting its innovative and narrative-driven style that transforms tricks into meaningful experiences.