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Running Crosscut Force by SeanDevine

Created by: SeanDevine

The Running Crosscut Force is a close-up card trick that involves a spectator making a prediction based on their chosen card. The magician uses a marked deck (Garrett Thomas GT Speed Reader) for a cleaner performance, though the trick can be performed without it. The routine includes a self-working control and a Running Crosscut Force, inspired by Ed Marlo's Drop Slight, to position the desired card in a seemingly natural and justified manner. The effect culminates in the revelation that the spectator's chosen card and the card they stopped on are mates (e.g., 10 of Clubs and 10 of Spades), creating a surprising and engaging prediction effect.

Key features

  • Utilizes a marked deck for a cleaner performance but can be performed without one

  • Incorporates a self-working control and the innovative Running Crosscut Force

  • Inspired by Ed Marlo's Drop Slight, offering a fresh take on card forcing techniques

  • Performance tips include motivation, casual handling, and justification for actions to enhance believability

  • Encourages the study of magic literature and the journaling of ideas for creative development

Pros

  • Highly engaging and surprising prediction effect

  • Can be performed impromptu with or without a marked deck

  • Detailed performance tips enhance the trick's believability and impact

  • Encourages creative thinking and adaptation of magical principles

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the Running Crosscut Force and other techniques

  • Performance without a marked deck may be less clean

  • May not be suitable for beginners due to the complexity of some moves

Effect

The Running Crosscut Force creates a highly fair and interactive card prediction. A spectator shuffles the deck and freely selects a card face down without looking. The magician then spreads cards face down, allowing the spectator to call "stop" at any point. The magician reveals that if the spectator's chosen card is, for example, the 10 of Clubs, the card they stopped on must be the 10 of Spades. The effect appears completely free of force, making the outcome seem impossible.

Full Details

The Running Crosscut Force is a deceptive method for controlling a card while maintaining the illusion of fairness. It combines elements of a marked deck (optional), a self-working control, and a force inspired by Ed Marlo’s Drop Slight.

  • Marked Deck (Optional): The trick can be performed using a marked deck (such as the Garrett Thomas GT Speed Reader) to identify the spectator’s selection, but it remains workable without one.
  • Self-Working Control: The spectator’s chosen card’s mate is positioned second from the bottom through a casual spread and replacement.
  • Running Crosscut Force: This force allows the magician to subtly place the desired card where the spectator stops during the spread. The move is disguised within natural handling, making it appear as if the spectator had a completely free choice.

The method emphasizes justified actions, such as spreading cards in groups to locate the marked card and using conversational patter to mask the mechanics.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who:

  • Enjoy interactive card magic with strong audience participation.
  • Prefer methods that appear impromptu and fair.
  • Are comfortable with marked decks (though not required).
  • Want to explore force techniques beyond classic methods.

Difficulty

The Running Crosscut Force requires moderate skill in card handling, particularly in spreading and controlling cards smoothly. The force itself relies on timing and misdirection rather than complex sleight of hand.

  • Beginner Difficulty: The basic concept is manageable, but natural execution requires practice.
  • Intermediate Difficulty: Smooth integration of the force into a routine demands rehearsal to avoid hesitation.
  • Advanced Difficulty: Performing the trick without a marked deck increases the need for precise control.

What Magicians Say

SeanDevine, who developed the Running Crosscut Force, emphasizes the importance of natural handling:

"The routine should appear impromptu and relaxed, masking the underlying mechanics... You're just talking and it's very natural and motivated."

He also highlights the value of studying magic literature for inspiration:

"The best advice I could give somebody who wants to create magic is to read every magic book you can get your hands on... You might come across a little gem or a principle you can apply to different things."

The Running Crosscut Force is praised for its deceptive fairness, making it a strong addition to a magician’s toolkit.

What people are saying about Running Crosscut Force

SeanDevine says...

The best advice that I could give somebody who wants to create Magic is to read every magic book that you can get your hands on [...] even if you don't necessarily like the trick that's being talked about you might come across a little gem or a nugget of gold or an idea or a principle you can apply to different things.

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