SleightfulSecrets by J.K. Hartman, Ted Leslie, Michael Amar, Anthony Owen, John Bannon, Bob Cassidy, Simon Arron, Stan Lern, David Regal, Richard Vmer, and Larry Jennings
Created by: J.K. Hartman, Ted Leslie, Michael Amar, Anthony Owen, John Bannon, Bob Cassidy, Simon Arron, Stan Lern, David Regal, Richard Vmer, Larry Jennings
Where to buy
 | Magicbox | 3 Secrets by Ken Niinuma and Vanishing, Inc. - DVD | £22.20 | 🇬🇧 Shop |
 | Ellusionist | 7 Secrets | $26.20 | 🇺🇸 Shop |
Key features
Diverse range of effects from card magic to mentalism
Includes both preparation and impromptu magic
Highlights lesser-known tricks from OOP books
Encourages magicians to explore their own libraries for inspiration
Sponsored by Don's Magic & Books for rare and OOP magic books
Pros
Wide variety of magic types covered
Includes tricks that can be performed with readily available items
Encourages creativity and adaptation of tricks
Highlights the value of older magic books as sources of inspiration
Cons
Some tricks require crafting or specialized props
Access to out-of-print books may be limited for some tricks
Effect
The trick "Secrets" by Anthony Owen is a card prediction effect that appears impossible to the audience. A borrowed deck is used, and a single card is secretly marked by the performer. The participant freely names any card, and when the deck is spread, the marked card matches their selection. To heighten the impossibility, the performer reveals that a prediction in their wallet also matches the chosen card. The effect is clean, direct, and leaves no room for suspicion.
Full Details
"Secrets" is a card trick that relies on a clever method involving minimal preparation. The performer borrows a deck, secretly marks one card, and mixes the deck so the marked card is lost. A wallet containing a prediction is shown beforehand. The participant names any card, and when the deck is spread, the marked card matches their selection. The performer then retrieves the prediction from the wallet, confirming it is the exact same card. The routine resets cleanly, leaving the participant with a fully examinable deck.
Who Should Consider the Trick
This trick is ideal for magicians who perform close-up or impromptu magic. It suits those who enjoy strong, self-working effects with borrowed decks. Since it requires minimal setup and resets instantly, it is perfect for walk-around performers or those who want a reliable, repeatable card trick.
Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform
The difficulty level of "Secrets" is low to moderate. The method is straightforward, but proper handling of the marked card and smooth execution of the reveal are crucial. No advanced sleight of hand is required, making it accessible to beginners, but experienced performers can enhance the effect with presentation and timing.
What Magicians Say
EruditeMagic describes "Secrets" as "a very clever predicted card type effect with a borrowed deck" and highlights its impossibility. They note that while some preparation is needed, the effect is strong and adaptable. The trick is praised for its clean reset and the fact that it can be performed with minimal props.
The reviewer also mentions that "there are some light arts and crafts" involved, referring to the preparation of the wallet prediction. However, they emphasize that the method is devious and the effect is highly deceptive. Overall, "Secrets" is recommended for its simplicity and strong impact.
What people are saying about Secrets
Anthony Owen says...
Brainwash is an impossible card prediction effect using a borrowed deck, requiring minimal preparation.
Bob Cassidy says...
The Name and Place Routine is a simple yet effective mentalism routine involving a name and a place, perfect for impromptu performances.
David Regal says...
The Poor Man's Wallet is a fun, impromptu stunt involving a borrowed bill and a cleverly constructed wallet.
EruditeMagic says...
The goal is hopefully push you back into your library to look at the books that you already have and find some of those hidden gems for yourself.
J.K. Hartman says...
Holy Grail is a predicted card effect using a deck and envelope, requiring some crafting but offering a strong, adaptable routine for both close-up and parlor settings.
John Bannon says...
Dead Reckoning is an 'impossible' mental location of a chosen card, relying on a devious principle that the creator believes has broader applications.
Larry Jennings says...
Always Cut the Cards is a clean and deceptive ace cutting routine that can be performed from a borrowed, shuffled deck.
Michael Amar says...
Crazy Man's Handcuffs is a remarkably economical and visually striking rubber band routine, considered by the creator to be one of the greatest close-up tricks ever conceived.
Richard Vmer says...
Green Warp is a card warp routine using a single card and a dollar bill, demonstrating the potential for combining different props.
Simon Arron says...
Undo Influence Principle is a self-working principle demonstrated with a card trick that fooled Pen and Teller.
Stan Lern says...
Newspaper Headline Prediction is a striking mentalism closer where a prediction mailed in advance matches the day's newspaper headline.
Ted Leslie says...
Teleport Envelope is a utility device for hands-off switching, allowing for the instantaneous replacement of an object within an envelope.
Review videos
Tricks you missed from OOP books
EruditeMagic mentioned this magic trick in this video.