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Slap Switch by Daniel Madison

Created by: Daniel Madison

Slap Switch is a sophisticated close-up card magic trick that forms part of Daniel Madison's 'The WINNING Hand' routine, centered around a powerful gambling demonstration. A spectator shuffles a deck of UNGAR Playing Cards and deals five random cards. The magician then tells the story of Stu Ungar's 1997 World Series of Poker win, showing a 'POKER LESSON' gaff card depicting his winning hand. The five cards dealt by the spectator are revealed to match this exact historic poker hand, creating a moment of astonishment that contrasts legitimate poker genius with deceptive manipulation. This trick is built into every UNGAR deck and requires the included gaff card, with detailed instruction available through Daniel Madison's Patreon. It emphasizes subtle, multi-moment card switches executed while the participant is dealing, making it ideal for magicians interested in advanced sleight-of-hand and psychological control in card magic.

Key features

  • Built into every deck of UNGAR Playing Cards with an updated 'POKER LESSON' gaff card featuring Stu Ungar's 1997 WSOP winning hand

  • Focuses on 'Nuance Card Switches', which are subtle, multi-moment switches executed during card dealing for enhanced deception

  • Teaches various card switching techniques including Slap Switch, Cohort Switch, Mad Switch, Perfect Deal, Heritage, Madison Shift, Pickup Switch, and GC Switch

  • Utilizes the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE for secretly holding out and switching cards, adding to the method's versatility

  • Presents a gambling demonstration where a participant deals random cards that match a historic winning hand, emphasizing psychological control

Pros

  • High deception level with switches integrated into natural dealing actions

  • Comes with specialized equipment (gaff card and optional MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE) for seamless execution

  • Offers a compelling narrative tied to poker history, enhancing audience engagement

  • Teaches multiple advanced techniques in one routine, providing great value for learning

Cons

  • Requires purchase of UNGAR Playing Cards and potentially additional devices, increasing cost

  • Involves complex sleight-of-hand that may be challenging for beginners

  • Relies on specific gaff cards, limiting use to compatible decks

Effect

A participant shuffles a deck of cards and deals five cards at random. The magician tells a story about poker legend Stu Ungar and his 1997 World Series of Poker win. The magician shows a promotional card from the deck that pictures Ungar's famous winning hand. The five cards the participant just dealt are then turned over. They match the exact poker hand shown on the promotional card.

Full details

The method for this routine is built into the UNGAR Playing Cards. A special "POKER LESSON" gaff card is included in every deck. This card looks like a standard advertisement card but features Stu Ungar's actual 1997 winning poker hand. The routine is a structured gambling demonstration that contrasts legitimate poker skill with card manipulation. The full instructional video is titled "The WINNING Hand."

Who should consider the trick

This routine is for magicians interested in card switching techniques and gambling demonstrations. It suits performers who want to use a strong historical narrative in their act. It is also for those who appreciate tools that aid deception, as the method involves specific equipment.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The routine involves advanced card sleight-of-hand. Daniel Madison teaches multiple card switches, which he calls 'Nuance Card Switches.' These are subtle actions performed over several moments, often while a participant is dealing cards. The method also uses a device called the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE to secretly manage cards. This requires practice to perform smoothly and convincingly.

What magicians say

Daniel Madison presents this project as a masterclass in card switching. He says the routine is "a deep study on card switches, framed around a powerful gambling demonstration." He focuses on the concept of 'Nuance Card Switches,' which are designed to be executed in multiple subtle actions. Madison states the project is "an essay on deception, using a moment of poker history as its compelling narrative backbone." He teaches various specific techniques including the Cohort Switch, Mad Switch, and Slap Switch to achieve the effect.

What people are saying about Slap Switch

Daniel Madison says...

The method is built into every deck of UNGAR Playing Cards, featuring an updated POKER LESSON gaff card with Stu Ungar's 1997 WSOP winning hand. [...] Focuses on 'Nuance Card Switches', which are subtle, multi-moment switches executed while the participant is dealing cards.

Tutorial videos