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Scared by Jamie Daws

Created by: Jamie Daws

Scared is an impromptu close-up card magic trick where a spectator selects a card from a borrowed, shuffled deck, which then appears to visibly and impossibly penetrate from the center of the deck, creating a strong visual illusion of animation or haunting. Designed by Jamie Daws, this routine requires no setup and uses standard sleight of hand, including a false shuffle and cut sequence to maintain control of a key card, culminating in a push-through flourish for the penetration effect. Buyers should note that it's part of the Saturday Sorcery series, offering free tutorials, and relies on the magician's skill in performing deceptive moves smoothly for a convincing performance.

Key features

  • Completely impromptu and can be performed with a borrowed, shuffled deck

  • Uses false shuffle and cut sequences to maintain card control

  • Involves a push-through flourish for visual card penetration illusion

  • No gimmicks required; relies on standard sleight of hand

  • Part of the Saturday Sorcery series with free weekly tutorials

Pros

  • Strong visual impact and baffling for spectators

  • Practical for anytime, anywhere performance with minimal requirements

  • Self-working routine once moves are mastered

Cons

  • Requires practice to perform sleights smoothly and deceptively

  • May not be suitable for beginners due to reliance on advanced card handling

Effect

The audience sees a freely selected card. The magician places this card into the middle of the deck. The deck is then squared. Suddenly, the selected card visibly and impossibly pushes itself out from the center of the deck. It appears to penetrate through the other cards. The effect is a visual haunted deck routine.

Full details

Scared is an impromptu card trick. It uses a borrowed and shuffled deck. No setup is required. The method relies on sleight of hand. A key card is controlled using a false shuffle and cut sequence. A push-through flourish creates the visual card penetration. The routine is self-contained and provides a complete performance piece.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is for magicians who perform with playing cards. It is ideal for those who need strong magic with a borrowed deck. It suits performers who value impromptu conditions. Magicians who enjoy visual card magic will find it appealing. It is a good choice for adding a quick, powerful effect to a routine.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick requires practice. The false shuffle and cut need to look natural. The push-through flourish must be performed smoothly. Mastery of these sleights is necessary for the illusion to work. The difficulty is moderate. A magician with basic card handling skills can learn it with dedicated practice. Jamie Daws states that practicing the sequence until it is second nature is crucial.

What magicians say

Jamie Daws designed Scared to be performed completely impromptu. He loved the impromptu nature of the trick. He states it allows for a strong magical moment with minimal requirements. The routine is described as both visual and baffling. The handling is designed to be deceptive under the guise of a fair display.

What people are saying about Scared

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

The trick is completely impromptu and can be performed with a borrowed, shuffled deck, using a false shuffle and cut sequence to maintain control of a key card. [...] Designed for strong visual impact and practical performance with minimal requirements.

Tutorial videos