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Push Through Failure by Edward Marlo

Created by: Edward Marlo

The 'Push Through Failure' is a classic close-up card trick that utilizes a stripper deck to create a seemingly impossible separation of a single chosen card from the rest of the deck. A spectator selects a card, which is then secretly reversed in the deck. The performer executes a deceptive 'push-through' shuffle, leveraging the stripper deck's tapered edges to control the reversed card. The result is a visually striking moment where the chosen card remains isolated while the rest of the deck appears to pass through it. This trick is ideal for magicians who appreciate self-working methods with minimal sleight of hand.

Key features

  • Relies on a stripper deck for a self-working method

  • Minimal sleight of hand required

  • Angle awareness is crucial for the illusion

  • Incorporates misdirection through storytelling (e.g., card sharks and gamblers)

  • Multiple methods for reversing the chosen card

Pros

  • Highly deceptive despite simple method

  • Accessible to magicians of all skill levels

  • Inexpensive to perform (requires only a stripper deck)

  • Strong visual impact for spectators

Cons

  • Requires a stripper deck (not a standard deck)

  • Angle-sensitive during performance

  • Initial setup (reversing the card) must be subtle

Effect

The Push Through Failure trick creates the illusion of a card being magically separated from the rest of the deck. A spectator selects a card, which is then lost in the deck. The magician performs what appears to be a push-through shuffle, but instead of mixing the cards, the chosen card is revealed as the only one remaining in the opposite orientation. The audience sees a deceptive shuffle, but the card is secretly controlled and isolated.

Full Details

The trick relies on a stripper deck, a modified deck where one end is tapered. The magician ensures the narrow side of the deck faces them, allowing easy control of a single reversed card. The spectator chooses a card, which is then secretly reversed in the deck. The magician performs a false push-through shuffle, using the stripper deck’s properties to strip the face-down cards through the face-up half, leaving the chosen card behind.

Key steps include:

  • Card selection and reversal – The spectator picks a card, which is then reversed in the deck.
  • False shuffle – The magician mimics a push-through shuffle while secretly controlling the reversed card.
  • Controlled stripping – The face-down cards are pulled through the face-up half, isolating the chosen card.

Angle awareness and tight handling during the shuffle help sell the illusion.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Beginners – The method is self-working, requiring no advanced sleight of hand.
  • Intermediate performers – Those looking for a deceptive yet easy-to-execute trick.
  • Magicians who enjoy gimmicked decks – The stripper deck makes the effect nearly foolproof.

Difficulty

The Push Through Failure is low difficulty due to its self-working nature. The main challenge is ensuring the deck is correctly oriented and performing the false shuffle convincingly. No complex sleights are needed, making it accessible to most magicians.

What Magicians Say

SeanDevine describes the trick as "completely self-working" and emphasizes its deceptive simplicity. He notes that while the method is straightforward, the effect is strong:

"You're going to hate me and you're going to hate yourself for being fooled by this method."

He also highlights the importance of angle awareness and presentation, suggesting a story about card sharks to enhance misdirection.

The trick is praised for its clever use of the stripper deck, making it a practical and deceptive addition to a magician’s repertoire.

What people are saying about Push Through Failure

SeanDevine says...

This version of 'Push Through Failure' is completely self-working, and you're going to hate yourself for being fooled by the simplicity of the method. [...] The trick relies on the stripper deck's properties to create a deceptive push-through shuffle that leaves the chosen card isolated.

Tutorial videos