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Rising Card in Envelope by Daryl

Created by: Daryl

In 'Rising Card in Envelope,' a spectator freely selects a card from a deck, which is then shuffled and placed inside a standard legal-size envelope. The envelope is sealed, and a portion is torn off. Using a pencil, the selected card mysteriously rises from the middle of the envelope, appearing to defy gravity. The trick is highly visual and can be performed cleanly, with most components inspectable by the audience. It’s suitable for close-up, street magic, and parlor settings, using everyday office supplies: a deck of cards, an envelope, and a pencil. The method involves controlling the selected card to the top of the deck, with Daryl teaching the 'Automatic Jog Control' from Paul Harris, though any preferred control method can be used.

Key features

  • Uses readily available props (deck of cards, envelope, pencil)

  • Versatile for street magic and parlor settings

  • Clean handling with minimal gimmickry

  • Teaches the 'Automatic Jog Control' from Paul Harris

  • Allows for multiple spectator variations

Pros

  • Affordable ($8 download)

  • No special props needed

  • Clean and inspectable finish

  • Durable for repeated performances

  • Suitable for diverse audiences

Cons

  • Requires card manipulation skills

  • May wear out decks over time due to crimping/bending

  • Not ideal for magicians who preserve their decks

Effect

The Rising Card in Envelope trick creates a striking visual for the audience. A spectator freely selects a card, returns it to the deck, and shuffles. The entire deck is placed inside a standard envelope, which is then sealed and partially torn open. Using a pencil, the magician causes the selected card to rise visibly from the middle of the deck inside the envelope. The effect is clean, with no suspicious movements, and most props can be handed out for inspection.

Full Details

The trick uses ordinary items: a deck of cards, a legal-size envelope, and a pencil. No special gimmicks or trick cards are required. The method involves controlling the selected card to the top of the deck before placing it in the envelope. The pencil serves as the key element in making the card rise.

Daryl teaches additional variations, including a multi-spectator version where multiple cards rise before the correct one is revealed. The trick is adaptable for both close-up and parlor settings, and the envelope naturally conceals the method.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who:

  • Prefer using everyday objects.
  • Want a visual, self-contained effect.
  • Perform in walk-around or parlor settings.
  • Are comfortable with basic card controls.

Magicians who dislike modifying or damaging their decks may hesitate, as the method involves minor deck manipulation.

Difficulty

The trick requires basic card control skills, specifically the ability to bring a selected card to the top of the deck. Daryl teaches the "Automatic Jog Control" from Paul Harris, but any reliable control method works. The rest of the handling is straightforward, making it accessible to intermediate performers.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy praises the trick for its cleanliness and practicality, calling it "clean, affordable, and easy to perform." He highlights its versatility for street and parlor magic, noting that it avoids fragile props like elastic threads. However, he personally avoids it due to his preference for preserving his decks, stating, "I don't do tricks that require me to wreck the deck."

He concludes that the $8 price is reasonable, especially for magicians who view cards as disposable tools. The trick’s reliance on common office supplies makes it an economical choice.

What people are saying about Rising Card in Envelope

Magic Orthodoxy (David) says...

The trick is clean, doesn’t use any snappy breakable props, and you can give everything out at the end—you end clean. [...] For me, the downside is it requires being a little hard on the deck, which isn’t my style.

Review videos