Pinky Break & Card Switching

Effect

The Pinky Break & Card Switching trick allows a magician to secretly control a spectator's chosen card to any named position in the deck after a single shuffle. The spectator freely selects a number, and the magician appears to shuffle the deck fairly, yet the chosen card ends up exactly at that position. The effect is clean and deceptive, making it seem like the magician has complete control over the deck.

Full details

The trick relies on mastering the Pharaoh shuffle, a type of riffle shuffle that allows precise card control. The magician uses a pinky break to hold a card in place while performing a subtle card switch to reposition it. The spectator names a number, and the magician adjusts the shuffle mathematically—dividing the number by two and rounding up if odd—to determine how many cards to shuffle before dropping the rest.

For even numbers, an in Pharaoh shuffle is used, while an out Pharaoh shuffle is applied for odd numbers. The top half of the deck must be well-interlaced for smooth execution, while the bottom half can be less precise for a natural look. The trick is designed to be performed in real-world conditions, making it a practical choice for working magicians.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is best suited for intermediate to advanced card magicians who are comfortable with riffle shuffles and subtle card controls. It requires practice to execute smoothly, so beginners may find it challenging. Those who perform close-up or walk-around magic will appreciate its deceptive simplicity once mastered.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is demanding in practice due to the precision required in the Pharaoh shuffle and the timing of the pinky break and card switch. AMillionCardTricks describes it as a worker’s trick, meaning it is impressive in performance but requires dedicated rehearsal to perfect. The mathematical adjustment adds another layer of complexity, so performers must be comfortable with quick mental calculations.

What magicians say

AMillionCardTricks highlights the deceptive power of the trick, calling it a "powerful tool for magicians comfortable with advanced shuffling techniques." They emphasize that the spectator can freely change their chosen number without affecting the method, making it highly flexible in performance. The trick is praised for its real-world practicality, though it demands significant practice to execute flawlessly.

The creator suggests using a well-broken-in deck for smoother handling and recommends keeping the shuffle natural-looking by not over-practicing the interlacing of the bottom half. Overall, this is a high-impact trick for those willing to put in the work.