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Riffle Bluff Force by Jay Sankey

Created by: Jay Sankey

The Riffle Bluff Force is a close-up card magic trick that creates the illusion of a spectator freely selecting a card from a riffled deck. The magician riffles the cards, asks the spectator to say 'stop,' and then reveals the card at the stopping point. Unbeknownst to the spectator, the magician has subtly controlled the selection, ensuring the chosen card is always the force card (e.g., the Ace of Spades). This trick relies on misdirection and smooth handling to make the selection appear completely fair and random. It’s ideal for mentalism routines, card revelations, or any effect where a forced card is needed.

Key features

  • Uses a riffle shuffle to create the illusion of randomness

  • Relies on misdirection and smooth handling

  • Works well in real-world performance situations

  • Requires practice to master the timing and technique

  • Can be combined with other card forces for versatile routines

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and fair-looking

  • Simple to perform once mastered

  • Versatile for various card magic effects

  • Great for mentalism and mind-reading routines

  • Minimal setup required

Cons

  • Requires precise timing and practice

  • May not work well with all audiences if misdirection fails

  • Relies on the magician’s ability to handle cards smoothly

Effect

The Riffle Bluff Force creates the illusion that a spectator freely selects a card from a riffled deck. The magician riffles through the cards, and the spectator is asked to say "stop" at any point. The card they stop on appears to be their choice, but in reality, the magician has controlled the outcome, ensuring the force card is selected. The effect is clean, fair, and highly deceptive, making it a powerful tool for card magic.

Full details

The Riffle Bluff Force begins with the force card positioned second from the top of the deck. The magician riffles the cards, creating the impression of randomness. As the spectator says "stop," the magician uses subtle misdirection and hand movements to ensure the force card is the one revealed. The key lies in the timing and the natural flow of the riffle, which conceals the method. The force card is cleanly displayed, leaving the spectator convinced they made a free choice.

Who should consider the trick

The Riffle Bluff Force is ideal for magicians who want a reliable and deceptive card force that works well in real-world performances. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy close-up magic or card routines that require a strong sense of fairness and audience interaction. Beginners can learn it with practice, but it’s also a valuable addition to the repertoire of experienced performers looking to refine their card handling skills.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Riffle Bluff Force is moderately difficult to perform. It requires precise timing, smooth hand movements, and an understanding of misdirection. While the mechanics are straightforward, mastering the subtleties of the riffle and the natural flow of the performance takes practice. Magicians with some experience in card handling will find it easier to learn, but beginners should be prepared to dedicate time to perfecting the technique.

What magicians say

Jay Sankey describes the Riffle Bluff Force as a highly effective and deceptive method. He emphasizes its real-world applicability, noting that it "flies" in performance due to its clean and fair appearance. Sankey highlights the importance of misdirection and timing, explaining that the force relies on subtle hand movements and a natural riffle to conceal the method. He also mentions that the Riffle Bluff Force is a favorite among magicians for its simplicity and impact, making it a valuable addition to any card routine.

What people are saying about Riffle Bluff Force

SankeyMagic says...

The Riffle Bluff Force relies on misdirection to create the illusion of randomness, and boy, it flies. [...] It’s a particularly nice one for pretending to read someone’s mind because of the out-of-the-hands kind of feel.

Tutorial videos