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Placebo by Mark Calabrese

Created by: Mark Calabrese

Placebo is a captivating card trick that falls under the close-up magic category. The magician hands a deck to a spectator, who then names any card (e.g., Five of Spades or Jack of Hearts). Without the magician touching the deck again, the spectator reverses one card behind their back and cuts the deck. Astonishingly, the named card is the only one reversed in the entire deck. This trick is notable for its simplicity and the fact that it can be performed with a borrowed deck, making it highly versatile. It relies on spectator cooperation and instinct, creating an interactive and engaging experience.

Where to buy

Placebo by Mark Calabrese - Video Download from Magicbox
MagicboxPlacebo by Mark Calabrese - Video Download£6.66
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Placebo by Mark Calabrese video DOWNLOAD from Alakazam Magic
Alakazam MagicPlacebo by Mark Calabrese video DOWNLOAD£7.84
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Key features

  • No deck handling required by the magician after handing it to the spectator

  • Can be performed with a borrowed deck

  • Interactive and relies on spectator cooperation

  • Simple and direct effect

Pros

  • Highly versatile and can be performed anywhere

  • Engages the spectator directly, making it interactive

  • No complex sleight of hand required

  • Works with any deck, including borrowed ones

Cons

  • Relies heavily on spectator cooperation, which may vary

  • May require some practice to ensure smooth performance

Effect

The trick 'Placebo' creates a surprising moment where a spectator names any card, reverses one card behind their back, and cuts the deck. When the deck is spread, the only reversed card is the one they named. The magician does not handle the deck after giving it to the spectator, making the effect seem impossible.

Full details

'Placebo' is a card trick that works with any deck, including borrowed ones. The spectator freely names a card, then reverses one card in the deck while it is behind their back. After cutting the deck, they find that their named card is the only one reversed. The trick relies on psychology and spectator interaction rather than complex sleight of hand.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who want a hands-off, interactive effect. It works well for close-up performances, walk-around magic, or casual settings. Since it requires no deck handling by the magician after the initial setup, it is great for performers who prefer minimal physical involvement.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

'Placebo' is easy to learn and perform. It does not require advanced card handling skills, making it accessible to beginners. The trick depends more on presentation and spectator engagement than technical ability.

What magicians say

AlakazamMagicUK describes 'Placebo' as "simple and direct," emphasizing that it requires no deck handling by the performer once given to the spectator. They highlight its versatility with borrowed decks and its engaging, interactive nature.

MurphysMagicSupplies mentions 'Placebo' as a downloadable mentalism routine, suggesting it has applications beyond traditional card magic. This indicates the trick can be adapted for different performance styles.

The trick is praised for being a crowd-pleaser due to its direct and impossible-seeming outcome.

What people are saying about Placebo

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The trick 'Placebo' is simple and direct, requiring no deck handling by the performer after handing it to the spectator. [...] It can be performed with a borrowed deck, adding to its versatility.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

Placebo by Mark Calabrese – A downloadable mentalism routine.

Performance videos

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