Reverse Drop Switch by Ed Marlo and Chris Rawlins

Effect

The Reverse Drop Switch is a card control technique that allows a magician to secretly move a selected card to the top of the deck while making it appear as if the card is simply being turned over or mixed into the deck. To the audience, it looks like the magician casually flips a card or shuffles the deck, but in reality, the chosen card is being controlled to the top with no visible movement.

Full Details

The Reverse Drop Switch is a modified version of Ed Marlo’s original technique. Instead of dropping a card on top of another (as in a standard drop switch), this method pins the selected card to the bottom of the upper packet during a swing cut. A key element is the side jog, where the card is subtly shifted to the side by the thumb, making the switch invisible from the audience’s perspective.

Chris Rawlins, who refined the technique in his "Makeshift 2" control, emphasizes the importance of hand positioning and clamping the side-jogged card during the swing cut. The move is reinforced by conditioning the audience with a hovering motion, making the switch appear natural.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This technique is best suited for intermediate to advanced card handlers who are comfortable with sleight-heavy controls. It is ideal for magicians who want a deceptive method for controlling a card to the top without relying on traditional breaks or passes.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Reverse Drop Switch requires precise finger placement and timing. The side jog and clamping action must be executed smoothly to avoid detection. While not the most difficult card control, it does demand practice to perform convincingly at full speed. Rawlins notes that the side jog makes the move easier to manage than a standard break, but proper hand coverage and angle management are crucial.

What Magicians Say

Chris Rawlins describes the Reverse Drop Switch as an elegant and deceptive way to control a card to the top of the deck. He highlights the importance of the side jog and swing cut, stating, "The side jog makes that very easy to do, whereas a break... it's better than a break in my opinion." He also stresses the need for audience conditioning, recommending a hovering motion to make the switch appear natural.

Rawlins demonstrates the move at full speed to show its deceptive potential, calling it "a very nice and elegant way to have a card controlled to the top of the deck." His tutorial provides detailed breakdowns of hand positioning and execution, making it accessible for those willing to put in the practice.