QR Queens by Paul Fowler

Effect

QR Queens is a modern card trick that blends traditional magic with technology. The magician shows a deck of cards, and a spectator selects one freely. The card is lost in the deck, and the magician attempts to find it—only to reveal a Queen instead. The Queen appears ordinary at first, but with a shake or a magical gesture, a QR code appears on it. The spectator scans the QR code with their phone, and it reveals their selected card online. The effect is clean, interactive, and leaves the audience with a digital souvenir of the impossible moment.

Full Details

QR Queens consists of four specially printed Queens, each with a hidden QR code that links to a unique online reveal (such as a spectator’s chosen card). The cards are subtly marked for easy identification, ensuring the magician always knows which Queen corresponds to which reveal. The trick requires a standard deck of cards, and the gimmicked Queens can be seamlessly integrated into any routine.

The method is straightforward, with no complex sleight of hand needed. The QR codes are designed to blend naturally into the card’s artwork, making them invisible until the magician activates the reveal. The trick includes multiple routines, such as a psychological lie detector, a Chicago opener variant, and a visual color change to make the QR code appear.

Who Should Consider the Trick

QR Queens is ideal for magicians who want to incorporate technology into their performances. It works well for close-up, parlor, or stage settings, especially when performing for tech-savvy audiences. The trick is particularly effective for workers who want a fresh, interactive element in their card routines.

Difficulty

The trick is beginner-friendly, with no advanced sleights required. The included tutorial covers all necessary handlings, including a visual color change (the 12-to-1 change) to make the QR code appear. The main challenge is ensuring the spectator has a phone with internet access, but the tutorial provides solutions for managing this.

What Magicians Say

• Magic-TV (Craig & Ryland) praised QR Queens as "versatile and commercial," giving it a 95% rating. They highlighted its interactive nature, saying, "I love that it gets the spectator’s phone involved—it’s killer."
• MonsterMagicShop (Alex Kirk) called it a "clever utility gimmick" and appreciated the multiple routines included. He noted, "The QR code blends in naturally, and the reveals are impossible to backtrack."

QR Queens offers a unique twist on card magic, making it a strong addition to any performer’s repertoire.