Pocket Roulette by Garren Clark and Yanik Bart

Effect

Pocket Roulette is a card trick where a spectator shuffles and cuts a deck, then deals a small pile of cards to the table. They mentally select one card from the pile and place the rest in their pocket. The magician bets they cannot pull out their chosen card on the first try. The spectator repeatedly fails, only to discover their card was never in the pocket at all. Instead, it appears in an impossible location, such as the magician’s wallet or back in the deck.

Full Details

Pocket Roulette is a modern take on the classic Princess Card Trick, with added layers of deception. The trick uses specially printed gimmicked cards that blend with a standard deck. The routine includes multiple handling options, such as a no-sleight version, a marked deck variation, and a magician-fooling performance. A bonus effect called Pocket Space is also included, requiring only one gimmicked card.

The gimmicks are designed to resemble standard Bicycle cards, allowing for casual inspection. However, close examination could reveal the method. The trick relies on strong audience management to prevent overhandling of the gimmicked cards.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Pocket Roulette is ideal for magicians who enjoy interactive card magic with strong audience reactions. It suits performers who prefer gimmicked tricks but also offers sleight-of-hand variations for purists. The trick works well in casual settings, such as bars or restaurants, where spectators may have jackets or pockets accessible for loading.

Difficulty

The trick is designed to be easy to learn, with multiple handling options to suit different skill levels. The no-sleight version is beginner-friendly, while the magician-fooling routine may require additional false shuffles and cuts for maximum impact. The reset time is quick, taking only two seconds.

What Magicians Say

Ellusionist describes Pocket Roulette as a bold and opportunistic trick, emphasizing confidence and timing. Garren Clark and Yanik Bart highlight the importance of seizing moments to load cards, even in casual interactions. They suggest using distractions, such as microphones or casual touches, to mask the loading process.

Magic Orthodoxy’s David praises the trick’s versatility and strong scripting, calling it a solid upgrade to traditional packet tricks. He notes the spot card gimmicks add an extra layer of deception, making the trick more convincing than the classic Princess Card Trick. However, he cautions that close inspection of the gimmicked cards could expose the method.

Both reviewers agree that Pocket Roulette delivers strong reactions when performed well, making it a worthwhile addition to a magician’s repertoire.