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Second Deal by Alchemy Tree

Created by: Alchemy Tree

The Second Deal is a foundational close-up card magic technique where the magician appears to deal the top card from the deck but secretly deals the second card instead, creating a deceptive illusion of fairness. This sleight is commonly used in gambling demonstrations, card tricks, and routines like Oil & Water to control card order without detection. It involves precise hand positioning, grip, and thumb actions to execute smoothly, making it ideal for magicians seeking to enhance their card handling skills. Buyers should note that different methods exist, some optimized for continuous second deals or alternating with top deals, and it requires practice to master for reliable performance under pressure.

Key features

  • Designed for reliability and ease, especially for those with dry hands or reduced motor skills

  • Specific thumb placement and hand positioning simplify the mechanics

  • Best suited for routines requiring continuous second deals, such as gambling demos

  • Can be alternated with top deals in some methods for versatile use

  • Promotes natural handling and misdirection to enhance deception

Pros

  • Mechanically simple and consistent compared to traditional techniques

  • Forgiving for performers in non-ideal conditions

  • Effective for laymen due to its surprise factor

  • Step-by-step guidance available in sets like the Second Deal Box Set

  • Enhances card control and can be integrated into various magic routines

Cons

  • Limited to dealing only seconds in some methods, not for alternating with top deals

  • May not look as flawless as advanced techniques to purists

  • Requires significant practice to perform smoothly and undetectably

  • Not a universal solution; specific to certain applications

Effect

The Second Deal is a card sleight that creates a strong illusion. A magician deals cards from the top of the deck. The audience believes the magician deals the top card each time. In reality, the magician deals the second card from the top. This allows the magician to control which card comes next. The move looks like a normal deal. It is often used in gambling demonstrations or card tricks to create surprising outcomes.

Full details

The Second Deal is a fundamental card technique. It requires specific hand positioning and thumb action. The magician holds the deck in dealing position. The thumb contacts the top card but actually moves the second card. The second card is pushed out and dealt. The top card stays in place. Some methods allow alternating between second deals and normal top deals. Other methods focus only on dealing seconds in a sequence. The move must look natural and match the rhythm of a fair deal.

Who should consider the trick

Magicians interested in gambling demonstrations should consider the Second Deal. It is also useful for card workers who perform routines requiring controlled deals. This sleight suits performers with dry hands or reduced fine motor control. Some methods are easier for beginners. Others appeal to advanced magicians seeking refinement. The Second Deal is not essential for all magicians. It is a specialized move for specific routines.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Second Deal has a moderate difficulty level. Traditional methods require practice to master. Some newer methods simplify the mechanics. These versions are easier to learn. They focus on specific thumb placement and hand angles. Even simpler methods need consistent practice to look natural. The move demands smooth execution and confidence. Magicians must develop a rhythm that matches fair dealing. Difficulty varies with the chosen method and the performer's skill level.

What magicians say

Profrt states that some Second Deal methods are "mechanically simple and consistent." They note these methods are "ideal for magicians with dry hands or fading fine motor skills." Profrt also mentions that certain handlings are "limited to dealing only seconds" and not for alternating with top deals.

Reid Ferry discusses using the Second Deal in Oil and Water routines. He says it creates a "deceptive cleanliness" when spectators believe they see a fair deal.

Alakazam Magic UK calls the Second Deal a "foundational technique" and highlights that it can be mastered with step-by-step guidance.

Sean Devine points out that the Second Deal has a strong "surprise factor for non-magicians" and emphasizes "natural handling and misdirection."

What people are saying about Second Deal

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The Second Deal is a clever card move where the magician deals the second card from the top while making it look like the top card. In this video, Alchemy Tree introduces their Second Deal Box Set, exclusively available at Alakazam Magic.

profrt says...

The handling is not a universal second deal solution. Its primary application is for routines where the performer needs to deal a continuous run of second deals from a deck, such as in certain gambling demonstrations or specific card tricks. [...] The creator loves this method for its mechanical simplicity and the increased consistency it offers over more traditional techniques.

ReidFerry says...

They see the cards mixed, then you just deal... and they’re separated. [...] I got to give myself a pat on the back for this... it’s so deceptive.

SeanDevine says...

They explore the second deal, highlighting its surprise factor for non-magicians, and discuss the key role of natural handling and misdirection in magic.

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