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Pickup Switch by Daniel Madison

Created by: Daniel Madison

The Pickup Switch is a sophisticated close-up card magic technique that allows the magician to secretly switch cards during a gambling-themed routine. In performance, a spectator shuffles a deck of cards and deals five random cards face down. The magician then tells the story of Stu Ungar's legendary 1997 World Series of Poker win, showing a 'POKER LESSON' gaff card that depicts Ungar's exact winning hand. When the five cards dealt by the spectator are revealed, they miraculously match this historic poker hand. This trick is part of Daniel Madison's broader 'The WINNING Hand' project, which focuses on multi-moment, subtle card switches executed while the participant is dealing, making the deception incredibly difficult to detect. Buyers should note that the method is built into every deck of UNGAR Playing Cards, which include the necessary gaff card, and additional instructional content is available on Madison's Patreon.

Key features

  • Built into UNGAR Playing Cards with an updated POKER LESSON gaff card

  • Focuses on 'Nuance Card Switches' with multiple subtle actions over time

  • Utilizes the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE for holding out and switching cards

  • Teaches various card switching techniques like Cohort Switch and Pickup Switch

  • Emphasizes psychological control and manipulation in a gambling demonstration

Pros

  • Highly deceptive due to multi-moment switch execution

  • Comes with a compelling narrative tied to poker history

  • Includes detailed instructional video on advanced techniques

Cons

  • Requires purchase of specific UNGAR Playing Cards deck

  • Involves complex sleight-of-hand that may be challenging for beginners

  • Additional instructional content is behind a paywall on Patreon

Effect

The Pickup Switch creates a moment where five random cards dealt by a participant become an exact, historically significant poker hand. The magician tells the story of Stu Ungar's 1997 World Series of Poker win. A participant shuffles and deals five cards from a deck. The magician shows a promotional card that pictures Ungar's winning hand. The five cards the participant dealt are then revealed to match that exact hand. The effect presents a powerful gambling demonstration where chance appears to recreate a legendary moment.

Full details

The Pickup Switch is part of a larger routine called The WINNING Hand. This routine uses a special gaff card included in UNGAR Playing Cards. The gaff card looks like a standard ad card but displays Stu Ungar's actual 1997 WSOP winning hand. The method involves switching the five cards the participant deals with a pre arranged set. The switch happens while the participant is dealing, using multiple subtle actions over time. The routine also uses the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE. This tool helps secretly hold the pre arranged cards and conceal the switched out cards. The full instructional video for the routine is one hour long and available on Daniel Madison's Patreon.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is for magicians interested in advanced card magic and gambling demonstrations. It suits performers who want to use a strong story in their act. The routine is good for those who perform with a full deck and want a structured commercial effect. It is also for magicians looking to study card switching techniques in depth. The trick requires comfort with using gaff cards and specialized devices.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Pickup Switch is an advanced technique. It requires practice to perform smoothly. The routine uses multiple card switches that happen during the dealing process. These switches are subtle and have no single moment of execution. Performers must be skilled in sleight of hand and misdirection. Using the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE adds another layer that needs practice. Daniel Madison teaches several switch variations, so magicians can choose the method that fits their skill level. Overall, the trick is not for beginners.

What magicians say

Daniel Madison discusses the Pickup Switch as part of his focus on 'Nuance Card Switches'. He says these switches lack a rigid structure and are broken into multiple subtle actions. He explains that the switches can be executed while the participant is still dealing cards, making the deception hard to detect. Madison positions the overall routine as a masterclass in the philosophy of deception. He uses the story of Stu Ungar to create a compelling narrative. The project is described as an essay on psychological control and manipulation.

What people are saying about Pickup Switch

Daniel Madison says...

The method is built into every deck of UNGAR Playing Cards, featuring an updated POKER LESSON gaff card with Stu Ungar's 1997 WSOP winning hand. [...] Focuses on 'Nuance Card Switches', which are subtle, multi-moment switches executed while the participant is dealing cards.

Tutorial videos