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Si Stebbins Stack by Si Stebbins

Created by: Si Stebbins

The Si Stebbins Stack is a classic close-up and mentalism card trick that transforms a standard deck into a powerful tool for mind-reading and predictions. Spectators witness seemingly impossible feats, such as the magician accurately naming a card that a spectator has freely selected or thought of, without any apparent method or sleight of hand. This effect relies on a memorized mathematical sequence where cards follow a +3 numerical progression (e.g., 4 of Clubs, 7 of Hearts, 10 of Spades, King of Diamonds) and a rotating CHaSeD suit order (Clubs, Hearts, Spades, Diamonds), allowing the performer to know every card's identity based on its position. It's ideal for creating illusions of pure mentalism or chance, and buyers should be prepared to invest time in memorizing the stack and practicing performance techniques like false cuts and shuffles to maintain the sequence.

Key features

  • Based on a mathematical +3 progression and CHaSeD suit order for predictable card sequences

  • Requires memorization of the full deck order, which can be broken into smaller chunks for easier learning

  • Allows for versatile routines including mind-reading, predictions, and card revelations without advanced sleight of hand

  • Incorporates practical handling tips such as false cuts, shuffles, and key cards to maintain and reset the stack

  • Emphasizes the importance of performance, audience connection, and narrative to enhance the mentalism effect

Pros

  • Highly versatile for various mentalism and card routines

  • No advanced sleight of hand needed, making it accessible to magicians of all levels

  • Creates strong, memorable experiences for audiences with proper presentation

  • Provides a foundational system that can be used for a lifetime of performances

Cons

  • Requires significant time and effort to memorize the full card sequence

  • May be less effective if not paired with strong performance skills and audience rapport

  • Relies on maintaining the stack order, which can be challenging if spectators handle the deck

Effect

The Si Stebbins Stack allows a magician to perform mentalism effects with a deck of cards. A spectator may freely select a card, or even just think of one, and the magician can reveal it accurately. The performer can also predict card locations or identities without any visible sleight of hand. The effect appears as pure mind-reading or extraordinary luck.

Full details

The Si Stebbins Stack is a specific, memorized order for a deck of cards. It uses a mathematical system. Each card increases by three in value, and the suits follow a set sequence. This order repeats through the deck. Knowing the position of one card allows the magician to know every card. The stack can be maintained with false shuffles and cuts. A key card helps reset the deck quickly. The system works for many types of routines, including predictions and revelations.

Who should consider the trick

This stack suits magicians interested in mentalism or card magic. It is good for performers who want a method that does not need advanced sleights. It is also useful for those who perform regularly and want a reliable system. Magicians who enjoy memorization and structured systems will find it valuable.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Memorizing the Si Stebbins Stack requires effort. The CardMechanic suggests breaking it into smaller parts for easier learning. AMillionCardTricks notes that basic card control is enough to use it. Practice is needed to make the stack second nature. The difficulty lies in memory, not complex moves.

What magicians say

The CardMechanic says, "performance and audience connection are crucial for success." He believes a strong persona and narrative make the effect powerful. AMillionCardTricks states, "the true power lies in presentation." They advise creating the illusion of mentalism or chance. Both agree that the Si Stebbins Stack is a versatile tool for magicians.

What people are saying about Si Stebbins Stack

AMillionCardTricks says...

This isn't just a trick—it's a foundational system offering a lifetime of magical possibilities, requiring no sleight of hand beyond basic card control.

CardMechanic says...

The Si Stebbins Stack is a powerful mentalism routine that, with dedicated practice and a focus on performance, can captivate audiences and create truly memorable experiences.

Tutorial videos