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Princess Card Trick by Garant Clark, Yanic Bar, and Erik Casey

Created by: Garant Clark, Yanic Bar, Erik Casey

Princess Card Trick is a classic close-up card magic effect where a spectator mentally selects a card from a small group, only for it to vanish and be revealed in an impossible location, such as turning blank and examinable or appearing from the magician's wallet. This modern reinvention, often referred to as variations like Pocket Roulette or Princess Test, enhances the original with stronger deception, multiple handling options, and engineered gimmicks for seamless integration with standard decks. It is designed for versatility, offering routines that range from impromptu performances to stage-level impacts, with options for both physical gimmicks and digital downloads. Buyers should note that it requires basic card handling skills and careful audience management to prevent exposure of the gimmicked cards.

Key features

  • Multiple handling options including no-sleight and sleight-of-hand variations

  • Includes bonus effects like Pocket Space for added value

  • Engineered gimmicks that blend with standard Bicycle cards for natural appearance

  • Versatile for close-up, parlour, or stage performances with high visual impact

  • Comes with comprehensive tutorials, live performances, and creative scripting ideas

Pros

  • Stronger deception than the classic version with layered reveals

  • Flexible for different skill levels and performance styles

  • High-quality teaching materials with detailed instructions

  • Engaging and modern patter that captivates audiences

  • Pocket-sized yet delivers powerful illusion effects

Cons

  • Risk of exposure if spectators examine gimmicked cards too closely

  • Requires careful audience management to avoid overhandling

  • May need additional practice for smooth execution of sleights

Effect

The Princess Card Trick creates a powerful moment of magic where a spectator merely thinks of a card from a small group. That card then visibly vanishes from the group. The spectator is left holding a single card, which they turn over to find it is completely blank. This blank card can be handled and examined by the audience, making the effect feel both impossible and fair.

Full details

This trick is a modern update to a classic mentalism effect. It uses specially engineered cards that allow the performer to display all card faces openly before and after the vanish. There are no awkward angles or hiding required during the performance. The routine includes an optional clean ending that lets you swap the gimmicked card for a normal one, allowing full examination of all props. The method requires only basic card handling skills like holding and fanning. It is designed to be pocket-sized yet deliver a strong visual impact suitable for close-up or even stage settings.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who perform mentalism or card magic for modern audiences. It suits performers who want a highly visual, examinable effect that is easy to carry and set up. If you appreciate upgrades to classic plots with improved methods and cleaner handling, this is a strong option. It is also good for those who prefer routines that require minimal sleight of hand but still produce a powerful reaction.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Princess Card Trick is not difficult to perform. The method is practical and accessible. If you can hold and fan cards, you can do this trick. The teaching materials provide clear instructions on handling and performance. There is no complex sleight of hand required, making it suitable for magicians of various skill levels.

What magicians say

David from Magic Orthodoxy notes that modern versions like this offer "stronger deception than the classic Princess Card Trick" and are "versatile and engaging for modern audiences." He points out that the gimmicks are well made and can withstand casual inspection, though methodical examination could expose the method. He emphasizes that good audience management is important to prevent overhandling of the gimmicked cards.

Erik Casey, the creator, designed the trick to be "cleaner, fairer, and more visually stunning than previous versions." His approach eliminates common drawbacks and allows full display of card faces with no awkward angles. The trick is described as ready to use out of the box, with an optional clean ending taught for those who want a completely examinable finale.

Reviewers agree that this is a significant upgrade to a timeless plot, offering a fast, visual miracle that respects the history of the effect while using modern methods.

What people are saying about Princess Card Trick

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The Princess Card Trick is visually impressive and likely easy to perform with practice, making it a great addition to any magician's repertoire.

itsallthingsmagic says...

Princess Test offers a fast, ultra-visual miracle that feels both impossible and organic, with no awkward angles or hiding required for a clean performance.

magicorthodoxy says...

Pocket Roulette is a solid upgrade to traditional packet tricks, with versatile handling and strong scripting. I particularly love the spot card gimmicks for added deception.

Review videos

Tutorial videos