Sleightful logoSleightful

Pharaoh Shuffle Control

The Pharaoh Shuffle Control is an advanced card magic trick that allows the performer to secretly position a spectator's chosen card at any named number in the deck after a single shuffle. This trick is a close-up magic performance that relies on mastering the Pharaoh shuffle, a type of riffle shuffle, and involves mathematical adjustments based on the spectator's named number. It's perfect for magicians looking to add a sophisticated and deceptive card control to their repertoire.

Key features

  • Relies on mastering the Pharaoh shuffle for precise execution.

  • Involves mathematical adjustment based on spectator's named number.

  • Uses subtle techniques like pinky break and card switching.

  • Offers performance tips for managing spectators and handling the deck.

  • Described as a worker’s trick, impressive but demanding in practice.

Pros

  • Impressive in performance.

  • Deceptive simplicity once mastered.

  • Powerful tool for magicians comfortable with advanced shuffling techniques.

Cons

  • Demanding in practice.

  • Requires precise execution.

  • May not be suitable for beginners.

Effect

The Pharaoh Shuffle Control makes a spectator's chosen card appear at any number they name in the deck after a single shuffle. The magician performs a riffle shuffle, yet the card lands exactly where the spectator requests. The shuffle looks fair, making the control seem impossible.

Full details

The trick uses the Pharaoh shuffle, a type of riffle shuffle that allows the magician to secretly position a card at a specific location. The spectator names a number, and through mathematical adjustment, the magician determines how to execute the shuffle.

Key techniques include:

  • Pharaoh Shuffle Control: The shuffle interlaces cards in a way that lets the magician reposition a card.
  • Mathematical Adjustment: The magician divides the named number by two (rounding up for odd numbers) to determine how many cards to shuffle before dropping the rest.
  • Pinky Break & Card Switching: A subtle switch replaces the chosen card with the one above it, held with a pinky break before shuffling it to the top.

Performance tips include letting the spectator change their number freely, as it doesn’t affect the method. For even numbers, an in Pharaoh shuffle is used, while an out Pharaoh shuffle is applied for odd numbers.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits magicians comfortable with advanced shuffling techniques. It requires practice to master the Pharaoh shuffle and the mathematical adjustments. Those who perform card magic regularly will find it a strong addition to their routines.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is demanding in practice. The shuffle must be precise, and the mathematical adjustments must be quick and seamless. Magicians should practice until the shuffle looks natural. AMillionCardTricks describes it as a "worker’s trick," meaning it is impressive in performance but requires effort to perfect.

What magicians say

AMillionCardTricks calls the trick "impressive in performance but demanding in practice." They highlight its deceptive simplicity once mastered, making it a powerful tool for magicians. The trick relies on mastering the Pharaoh shuffle and using subtle techniques like the pinky break and card switching. The creator suggests keeping the top half of the deck well-interlaced while allowing the bottom half to be less precise for a natural look.

What people are saying about Pharaoh Shuffle Control

AMillionCardTricks says...

This is a worker’s trick—impressive in performance but demanding in practice. The creator loves its deceptive simplicity once mastered, making it a powerful tool for magicians comfortable with advanced shuffling techniques.

Tutorial videos