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Prevail by Josh Janousky

Created by: Josh Janousky

Prevail is a close-up card magic trick, a variation of the classic Triumph plot, where a mixed deck of face-up and face-down cards is magically restored to all face-down except for the spectator's selected card. This trick is taught by Josh Janousky and emphasizes clean handling and audience engagement, making it suitable for both casual and professional performances. The method involves a controlled mix of cards, natural movements to disguise sleights, and potentially false shuffles or cuts to maintain the illusion of randomness.

Key features

  • A fresh take on the classic Triumph plot with a visual twist

  • Emphasis on clean handling and audience engagement

  • Suitable for both casual and professional performances

  • Includes performance demo and detailed explanation in the tutorial

  • Focus on natural movements and invisible sleights

Pros

  • Practical yet impactful upgrade for magicians familiar with Triumph

  • Accessible to intermediate performers

  • Josh Janousky's teaching focuses on efficiency over complexity

Cons

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Effect

The trick Prevail by Josh Janousky is a variation of the classic Triumph effect. The audience sees a shuffled deck with cards mixed face-up and face-down. The magician then magically rights all the cards, except one, which remains face-down. When the face-down card is revealed, it matches a previously selected card. The result is visually striking and appears impossible.

Full details

Prevail is taught in a tutorial format, starting with a live performance followed by a detailed explanation. The trick involves a controlled mix of face-up and face-down cards, creating the illusion of randomness. The method relies on natural movements and invisible sleights, making the handling deceptive. False shuffles or cuts may be used to reinforce the illusion.

Josh Janousky emphasizes clean handling and audience engagement, making the trick suitable for both casual and professional settings. The performance requires confidence and good pacing to maximize the surprise.

Who should consider the trick

Prevail is ideal for magicians who:

  • Already know Triumph and want a fresh variation.
  • Prefer tricks with visual impact and strong audience reactions.
  • Are comfortable with intermediate-level card handling.
  • Want a practical effect that works in real-world performances.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is designed to be accessible to intermediate performers. While it does not require advanced sleight of hand, it does involve controlled card mixing and timing. The method prioritizes efficiency over complexity, meaning the moves are practical rather than overly difficult.

What magicians say

MurphysMagicSupplies describes Prevail as a "practical yet impactful upgrade" to the classic Triumph effect. They highlight Josh Janousky’s teaching style, which focuses on clean handling and natural movements to disguise the method. The performance segment suggests a bold, confident presentation to enhance the effect’s impossibility.

The tutorial is part of Murphy’s Magic’s Saturday Sorcery series, known for high-quality magic instruction. The video also includes a giveaway and encourages viewer interaction, making it engaging for the magic community.

For magicians familiar with Triumph, Prevail offers a fresh and deceptive variation that is both performable and visually impressive.

What people are saying about Prevail

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

Josh’s approach emphasizes clean handling and audience engagement, making it suitable for both casual and professional performances. [...] For magicians familiar with Triumph, this variation seems to offer a practical yet impactful upgrade.

Tutorial videos