Pencil Dot Key Card

Effect

The Pencil Dot Key Card is a method used to force a specific card on a spectator while maintaining the illusion of a fair shuffle. The magician dribbles cards from the deck, and the spectator says "stop" at any point. The card they stop on is revealed to be the magician’s force card, seemingly by chance. The addition of a pencil dot on the key card allows the spectator to shuffle the deck beforehand, making the force appear even more impossible.

Full details

The Pencil Dot Key Card technique involves marking a specific card (the force card) with a small, nearly invisible pencil dot on its edge. This mark allows the magician to track the card’s position even after the spectator shuffles the deck. The magician then uses the Dribble Force to control when the spectator stops on the marked card.

Key elements of the method include:

• A jog shuffle to position the force card roughly a third of the way down the deck.
• A thumb break held at the force card, ensuring the spectator stops on the correct card during the dribble.
• Proper finger positioning to prevent accidentally dribbling past the break.
• Performing the dribble on a table or into the spectator’s hands for added deception.

Who should consider the trick

This technique is ideal for magicians who want a highly deceptive card force that can withstand spectator shuffles. It works well in close-up or table magic, where the spectator can interact with the deck. Those who enjoy methods with built-in justification (like the pencil dot) will appreciate the extra layer of fairness it provides.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Dribble Force itself requires practice to execute smoothly, especially maintaining the break and controlling the dribble. The Pencil Dot Key Card adds an extra step but simplifies tracking the force card. Beginners may find the dribble mechanics challenging at first, but with consistent practice, it becomes reliable. SeanDevine notes that even he struggled initially but improved with repetition.

What magicians say

SeanDevine calls the Dribble Force "one of the absolute best card forces you can do" due to its deceptive nature. He emphasizes that while it takes practice, the results are worth it: "It's probably my favorite force, and I highly recommend putting it into practice." He also praises the Pencil Dot Key Card for allowing spectator shuffles, making the force seem even more impossible. His advice: "Just stick with it, and you'll be a professional dribble forcer in no time."