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Push Through Shuffle by Ed Marlo

Created by: Ed Marlo

The Push Through Shuffle is a classic close-up card magic technique that appears to be a fair, thorough shuffle to the spectator, but in reality, it maintains the order of the deck or controls selected cards to a desired position. This false shuffle is ideal for magicians performing in casual, kid-friendly, or parlour settings, as it allows for seamless integration into routines involving card controls, stacks, or setups for effects like color changes. Buyers should know that it requires practice to perform smoothly and convincingly, and while it can be done with any standard deck, using quality cards may enhance the aesthetic and handling.

Key features

  • Beginner-friendly card flourish and control

  • False shuffle that maintains card order or controls selections

  • Suitable for casual and kid-friendly performances

  • Can be performed with any standard deck of cards

  • Emphasizes smooth, natural execution to maintain illusion

Pros

  • Easy to learn for beginners

  • Versatile for various card magic routines

  • Enhances deception in shuffling without complex sleights

Cons

  • Requires practice to avoid detection

  • May not be suitable for high-stakes or highly observant audiences without refinement

Effect

The Push Through Shuffle looks like a normal, thorough card shuffle to the audience. The magician mixes the deck in a way that appears fair and random. Spectators believe the cards have lost their original order. In reality, the magician maintains control over the entire deck or a specific card. The shuffle is smooth and convincing, making it a strong method for secretly controlling the cards.

Full details

The Push Through Shuffle is a false shuffle. It is a technique that allows a magician to mix a deck of cards while keeping them in a desired order. This shuffle can control the position of one or more cards. It is often used as a card control or to set up other magic effects. The move is a fundamental sleight with a long history in card magic. Ed Marlo, a famous card magician, helped develop and popularize this technique. The shuffle works with any standard deck of playing cards.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is good for beginner magicians. It is also useful for performers who work in casual settings or for children. Magicians looking for a simple and reliable false shuffle should consider learning it. Anyone wanting to add a basic card control to their routine will find it valuable. It is a foundational move for building more complex card magic.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Push Through Shuffle is not very difficult to learn. It is considered beginner-friendly. The main challenge is performing the move smoothly and without hesitation. Practice is required to make the shuffle look natural. Using a mirror during practice is recommended to check the illusion from the audience's view. With consistent practice, most magicians can master this technique.

What magicians say

AMillionCardTricks describes the Push Through Shuffle as a "beginner-friendly card flourish and control." They note it is "ideal for those new to card magic" and can be used in "casual or kid-friendly settings." They emphasize that performing it smoothly is key to maintaining the illusion.

VanishingIncMagic discusses the historical importance of the shuffle, noting that Ed Marlo's work made techniques like the Push-Through Shuffle "staples in a cardician’s arsenal." They state that Marlo's contributions to false shuffles and controls "revolutionized card magic," showing the lasting value of this technique.

What people are saying about Push Through Shuffle

AMillionCardTricks says...

The Push Through Shuffle is a beginner-friendly card flourish and control, ideal for those new to card magic or looking to add a simple yet effective shuffle to their repertoire.

VanishingIncMagic says...

Marlo's techniques, including the Push-Through Shuffle, remain staples in a cardician’s arsenal, emphasizing precision, practicality, and relentless innovation.

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