Single-Handed by Geraint Clarke

Effect

In Single-Handed by Geraint Clarke, a spectator freely selects and signs a card. The magician claims they will find the card using only one hand, which they place behind their back. After some playful misdirection, the magician reveals a card—only for the spectator to confirm it’s not theirs. Then, with a dramatic reveal, the signed card is produced from the hand that was hidden behind the back the entire time. The effect is clean, visual, and leaves the audience baffled.

Full Details

Single-Handed is a card trick that relies on a clever method involving a Charlie cut (a one-handed cut) and strategic handling. The deck is examinable before and after the trick, and the reset is instant, making it highly practical for repeated performances. The trick is available as a digital download ($25) or with a specially printed gimmick deck ($34.99). The download includes 90 minutes of instruction, covering multiple variations—some with signed cards, others with unsigned—and different handling options to suit various performance styles.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

• Card magicians who want a strong, self-contained routine.
• Walk-around performers—it’s pocket-friendly and works well in strolling or table-hopping settings.
• Stage or parlor performers—the visual reveal makes it impactful even at a distance.
• Magicians comfortable with one-handed cuts—though the Charlie cut is the only required sleight, additional flourishes can enhance the performance.

Difficulty

The trick is moderate in difficulty. The core method is straightforward, but performing a clean Charlie cut with one hand is essential. If you’re unfamiliar with this move, you’ll need to practice it before performing Single-Handed. The rest of the handling is intuitive, and Geraint Clarke’s detailed instructions cover multiple approaches to suit different skill levels.

What Magicians Say

• Sebastian Tocamagic (YouTube reviewer) called it "fantastic" and noted it was one of the biggest hits at his gigs, with spectators talking about it all night. He praised its practicality, saying, "People were absolutely loving the effect... they were like, 'Look, he's going to do the thing with one hand!'"
• In a separate review, Sebastian gave it a 9/10, highlighting the clever method and the fact that the deck remains examinable. He did mention that the trick requires a "fake call" moment (where the magician pretends to reveal the wrong card first), which some performers may need to adjust to.
• Illusionist’s podcast discussed the trick’s development, emphasizing how limitations (like using one hand) can spark creativity. They noted that the effect plays well in various settings, from close-up to stage.

Single-Handed is a versatile, well-constructed trick that delivers strong reactions. If you’re looking for a card routine that’s both practical and visually deceptive, this is a solid choice.