Random Card At Random Number by Cavan Booth

Effect

The Random Card At Random Number (RCARN) trick is a modern take on the classic Any Card At Any Number (ACAAN) plot. A spectator freely selects any card and any position in the deck. Without any sleight of hand or gimmicks, the magician reveals that the chosen card is exactly at the chosen number in the deck. The effect appears completely random and impossible, leaving the audience stunned.

Full details

The trick is gimmick-free and self-working, requiring only a standard deck of cards and a smartphone with a companion app. The app generates random cards and numbers separately, ensuring the selections feel fair and unforced. The magician never touches the deck during the performance, making the trick 100% hands-off. Spectators can change their choices until the last moment, reinforcing the illusion of randomness.

The routine is instantly repeatable with no reset needed, making it ideal for multiple performances. It works with any card order and can even accommodate multiple cards and numbers simultaneously. The trick is designed to be easy to perform, with no complex moves or setups, allowing the magician to focus entirely on presentation.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for:

• Beginners who want a strong mentalism-style effect without needing advanced sleight of hand.
• Working magicians looking for a foolproof ACAAN that is quick to reset and perform multiple times.
• Mentalists who want a clean, digital-assisted routine that feels genuinely random.
• Performers who prefer hands-off magic, where the spectator handles the deck for added authenticity.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is ridiculously easy to perform, as it requires no sleight of hand or technical skill. The method is self-working, meaning the magician only needs to follow the app's guidance and focus on presentation. The difficulty lies in framing the effect convincingly, making the randomness feel real and the outcome impossible.

What magicians say

• Cavan Booth calls it his "new favorite version of ACAAN", praising its gimmick-free and self-working nature. He emphasizes that the trick is accessible to all skill levels and relies heavily on presentation.
• SaturnMagicShop highlights the spectator involvement, noting that letting the participant vocalize their choices makes the trick feel transparent and fair. They also mention the psychological impact of the spectator choosing unusual combinations, reinforcing the impossibility.
• MurphysMagicSupplies describes it as a "bulletproof ACAAN", emphasizing its hands-off performance and instant reset. They call it "silly in the best way possible", praising its simplicity and deceptive power.

The consensus among reviewers is that RCARN is a strong, practical, and easy-to-perform version of the ACAAN plot, making it a great choice for magicians who want a foolproof and high-impact routine.