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Pair Up by Nicolas Mavresis

Created by: Nicolas Mavresis

Pair Up is a romantic card routine designed for couples, where participants deal with packets of cards featuring celebrity pairings like Tom and Jerry or Batman and Robin. Despite dealing the cards in various ways, none of the pairs match until the finale reveals 'You and Me,' creating a magical moment for the couple. The trick uses Paul Curry's Swindle Switch Deal for a deceptive and self-working routine, emphasizing the connection between the participants. It's a close-up magic trick that thrives on emotional presentation and is perfect for romantic settings.

Where to buy

Pair Up by Nikolas Mavresis from Alakazam Magic
Alakazam MagicPair Up by Nikolas Mavresis£21.74
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Pair Up by Nikolas Mavresis from Monster Magic
Monster MagicPair Up by Nikolas Mavresis£21.99
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Pair Up by Nikolas Mavresis from Magicbox
MagicboxPair Up by Nikolas Mavresis£22.16
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Key features

  • Uses Paul Curry's Swindle Switch Deal for a deceptive method

  • Designed for couples, creating a magical and emotional moment

  • Completely self-working and hands-off

  • Includes a poem to enhance the romantic presentation

  • Comes with nicely printed, colorful cards

Pros

  • Emotional impact on couples

  • Self-working, no difficult moves to learn

  • Includes a bonus routine for added value

  • Strong deceptive method using the Swindle Switch Deal

Cons

  • Requires strong presentation skills to maximize effect

  • Some may find the lack of pictures on the cards disappointing

  • The bonus routine may feel weak compared to the main effect

Effect

In Pair Up, two participants each receive a packet of cards featuring famous celebrity pairs like Batman and Robin or Tom and Jerry. They deal the cards in any order they choose, but none of the pairs match—until the final cards reveal "You and Me," creating a romantic moment. As a kicker, all the other pairs then magically match as well.

Full Details

The trick uses Paul Curry’s Swindle Switch Deal, a deceptive method that allows the magician to control the outcome while keeping the handling simple. The cards are printed with names of famous duos, and the routine is completely self-working, requiring no sleight of hand. A small poem is included to enhance the emotional impact, reinforcing the theme of connection between the participants.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for performers who:

  • Work with couples (weddings, anniversaries, romantic events).
  • Prefer self-working routines with minimal sleight of hand.
  • Enjoy storytelling and emotional presentations.

Difficulty

Pair Up is easy to perform, as it relies on a prearranged method rather than complex sleights. The main challenge lies in presentation—selling the romantic narrative effectively to maximize the emotional payoff.

What Magicians Say

Alex Kirk notes that while the magical method itself isn’t groundbreaking, the trick’s strength lies in its emotional appeal. He emphasizes the importance of strong presentation, suggesting having a participant read the included poem for added impact. Kirk also mentions that the kicker—where all mismatched pairs suddenly align—adds a nice magical finish.

"If you have got a couple who are in love, this will play just great... it's about their love." — Alex Kirk

The trick’s simplicity makes it accessible, but performers should focus on framing it as a romantic experience rather than just a card trick.

What people are saying about Pair Up

Alex Kirk says...

The real strength of this trick... if you have got a couple who are in love, this will play just great. It's about a couple and it's about their love.

Review videos