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Six of Spades by Lion Moner, Peter Turner, and Pigcake

Created by: Lion Moner, Peter Turner, Pigcake

The 'Six of Spades' trick is a captivating close-up card magic routine where a spectator freely selects and signs a card (often the six of spades), which then seemingly vanishes and reappears in the magician's pocket. The trick relies on a clever card switch, misdirection, and smooth handling to create a surprising and visually stunning climax. The inclusion of a signed card adds a personal touch, making the effect even more memorable for the spectator. This trick is ideal for performers who enjoy interactive and engaging magic with a strong visual payoff.

Key features

  • Spectator freely selects and signs a card (often the six of spades)

  • Card switch is the core technique, requiring smooth handling

  • Misdirection and spectator engagement are crucial

  • Final reveal involves the signed card appearing in the magician's pocket

  • Can be performed with minimal setup and borrowed deck

Pros

  • Highly visual and surprising climax

  • Engages the spectator with a signed card

  • Relies on psychological misdirection rather than complex sleight of hand

  • Versatile for close-up or parlour settings

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the card switch smoothly

  • May not be suitable for beginners due to the need for misdirection

Effect

The Six of Spades trick involves a spectator freely choosing and signing a card, which is then seemingly lost in the deck. The magician creates the illusion that the card has vanished, only for it to reappear in an unexpected place—often the magician's pocket. The effect is visual and surprising, with the signed card serving as undeniable proof of the magic.

Full Details

The trick begins with a spectator selecting a card—often the Six of Spades—and signing it for verification. The magician then uses a combination of card switches and misdirection to secretly move the signed card while leaving a different card in the spectator's hand. The climax occurs when the signed Six of Spades is revealed in the magician's pocket, fully restored.

Some variations, like Salto Triumph by Lion Moner, incorporate additional elements such as face-up and face-down card placements, where only the magician's and spectator's chosen cards remain face down while the rest of the deck rights itself. Another version, Peter Turner’s "Open Prediction," involves a visible prediction (the Six of Spades) from the start, with the spectator seemingly having free choice in selecting a card that ultimately matches the prediction.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy interactive, audience-driven effects. It works well for close-up performances, walk-around magic, or even stage shows with slight modifications. Those who appreciate strong visual reveals and signed-card magic will find this trick particularly rewarding.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty varies depending on the version performed. The basic card switch and pocket restoration require smooth handling and good misdirection, making it suitable for intermediate magicians. More advanced versions, like Salto Triumph, involve precise card control and timing, which may be challenging for beginners. However, with practice, the mechanics become manageable.

What Magicians Say

BigBlindMedia emphasizes the importance of spectator engagement, stating, "The creator’s relaxed demeanor and confident handling contribute to the overall believability of the effect." They also highlight the role of misdirection in making the switch deceptive.

Regarding Salto Triumph, BigBlindMedia notes, "Waiting is sometimes the cure for everything," stressing the value of anticipation in enhancing the trick’s impact.

MurphysMagicSupplies shares insights from Stuart James, who considers Peter Turner’s "Open Prediction" one of the most important tricks in his life. The routine’s strength lies in its deceptive simplicity, with Turner explaining, "The spectator is given complete freedom to deal, cut, and dump cards, creating the illusion of a truly random selection."

Overall, magicians praise the Six of Spades trick for its strong visual impact, audience interaction, and versatility in performance.

What people are saying about Six of Spades

BigBlindMedia says...

The trick begins with a standard spread of a deck. The spectator freely chooses a card and signs it, adding a personal touch that enhances the illusion. [...] The restoration of the signed card in the pocket is the final, impactful reveal.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

The routine centers around a spectator freely choosing a number and a card. The prediction, the six of spades, is visible from the start, creating a sense of control and fairness.

Performance videos

Tutorial videos