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Simulated Pickup by Ed Marlo

Created by: Ed Marlo

Simulated Pickup is a close-up card magic trick based on Ed Marlo's technique, where two cards appear to impossibly switch places while held by a spectator. This creates a highly visual and baffling illusion that is performed directly in the spectator's hands, enhancing the sense of impossibility. The trick is deck-agnostic, working with any standard pack of cards, and is designed for real-world conditions with a focus on clean execution and natural choreography. Buyers should note that it requires practice to master timing, angles, and spectator management for seamless performance.

Key features

  • Based on Ed Marlo's foundational technique

  • Creates a visual illusion of cards switching in spectator's hands

  • Deck-agnostic and can be performed with any standard pack

  • Emphasizes practical and visually stunning method for real-world conditions

  • Includes tips on timing, angles, and natural choreography

  • Advises on spectator management for organic execution

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and baffling effect

  • Suitable for close-up and walkaround settings

  • Clean and visually stunning performance

Cons

  • Requires significant practice to master handling and timing

  • May involve subtle body language that needs refinement to avoid suspicion

Effect

The Simulated Pickup creates a visual illusion where two cards appear to instantly switch places while held by a spectator. The effect looks clean and impossible, as the cards seem to change in the spectator's own hands.

Full details

The Simulated Pickup is based on a technique by Ed Marlo. It is a card switch that happens directly in the spectator's hands. The method uses clever simulation to disguise the actual move. The trick works with any standard deck of cards. It focuses on timing, angles, and natural handling to make the illusion convincing.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is for close-up and walkaround magicians who perform with cards. It suits those who want a visual and baffling effect that happens in the spectator's hands. Magicians who enjoy practical and deceptive moves will find it useful.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Simulated Pickup requires practice to master. The handling involves subtle positioning and smooth execution. You must practice until you can do it without hesitation. The move relies on natural choreography to avoid suspicion. It is not overly complex but needs consistent rehearsal.

What magicians say

AMillionCardTricks states the trick is "highly deceptive" and "designed to look exceptionally clean and baffling." They note it is "practical and visually stunning, making it suitable for real-world conditions." They advise practicing "until it can be executed without hesitation or unusual body language" for the best effect.

What people are saying about Simulated Pickup

AMillionCardTricks says...

This tutorial video teaches a highly deceptive card switch, based on Ed Marlo's Simulated Pickup, that creates the visual illusion of two cards impossibly changing places while held by a spectator. The effect is designed to look exceptionally clean and baffling, making it a powerful piece of card magic for close-up performers.

Tutorial videos