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Pocket Roulette by G. Clarke and Y. Barthe

Created by: G. Clarke, Y. Barthe

Pocket Roulette by G. Clarke and Y. Barthe is a captivating card magic trick that plays on the theme of gambling and deception. The magician invites a spectator to shuffle a deck, select five cards, peek at one, and place them all in their pocket. Through a series of bets, the magician claims the spectator won't find their card, escalating the tension. Ultimately, when the spectator reaches into their pocket, all cards have vanished, only to be revealed in an impossible location, such as under a mat or in the magician's possession. This trick is versatile, available in both gimmicked and ungimmicked versions, making it suitable for close-up, parlour, and even stage performances. The gimmicked version is easier to perform, requiring minimal sleight of hand, while the ungimmicked version offers a more challenging experience for those who enjoy intricate card handling.

Key features

  • Available in gimmicked and ungimmicked versions

  • Minimal props required

  • Suitable for various performance settings

  • Includes tutorial with multiple handling options

  • Gimmicked version comes with five red-backed Bicycle cards

Pros

  • Highly versatile and adaptable to different performance styles

  • Strong, fooling effect that leaves spectators amazed

  • 360-degree angle friendly with the gimmicked version

  • Instant reset for quick repeat performances

  • Includes a comprehensive tutorial with various reveal options

Cons

  • Requires careful spectator management to avoid exposure

  • Gimmicked version may limit deck inspection

  • Not suitable for overly skeptical or distracted spectators

Effect

In Pocket Roulette, a spectator shuffles a deck, selects five cards, and secretly looks at one. They place all five cards in their pocket. The magician makes a series of escalating bets, claiming the spectator won’t be able to find their card. Each time the spectator pulls a card from their pocket, it’s not theirs. Finally, when they reach in again, all the cards have vanished. The magician then reveals the spectator’s card in an impossible location—such as under a mat or inside their own pocket—creating a strong magical moment.

Full Details

Pocket Roulette comes in two versions:

  • Gimmicked Version: Includes five specially prepared Bicycle cards (red-backed) to simplify the vanish. This version requires minimal sleight of hand, making it accessible to intermediate performers.
  • Ungimmicked Version: Relies on sleight of hand, including palming and card control, offering more flexibility but requiring greater skill.

The routine is highly adaptable, allowing reveals in different locations (wallet, glass, etc.) without the spectator noticing. It resets instantly and can be performed in close-up, parlour, or stage settings.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits:

  • Intermediate magicians who want a strong, self-working vanish with the gimmicked version.
  • Advanced performers who prefer sleight-heavy methods (ungimmicked version).
  • Card magicians looking for a versatile routine that plays well in multiple performance environments.

Difficulty

  • Gimmicked Version: Easy to perform, requiring only one or two simple moves. Sebastian rates it as intermediate due to psychological handling.
  • Ungimmicked Version: More challenging, involving palming and precise card control. Best for those comfortable with sleight of hand.

What Magicians Say

Sebastian Toca rates Pocket Roulette an 8.5/10, praising its fooling nature and adaptability. He highlights:

  • "The gimmicked version is very easy to perform... but the ungimmicked version gives you more freedom."
  • "It’s a very fun routine to perform... fooling and relatively easy to do."
  • "The angles are good, the practicality is good, and the performance venues where you can do this are good as well."

He notes that spectator management is key—some may mishandle the cards if not guided clearly. However, with proper handling, the effect is strong and deceptive.

Overall, Pocket Roulette is a well-regarded trick for magicians who enjoy card vanishes and impossible reappearances.

What people are saying about Pocket Roulette by G. Clarke and Y. Barthe

sebastiantoca9208 says...

I'm giving it an 8.5 on 10 I think it deserves the praise that it's gotten I think it's very very good [...] if you like that effect of having someone take out cards from their pocket or having someone hold their their cards in their hand and then just making all the cards vanish uh making their card vanish in an impossible condition and reappear anywhere then you will not be disappointed.

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