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Slow Motion Aces by Dai Vernon

Created by: Dai Vernon

Slow Motion Aces is a classic close-up card magic trick where the four aces visually and cleanly migrate from their own piles to join one another, creating a powerful transposition illusion. Inspired by Dai Vernon's work, this non-gimmicked version uses only sleight of hand with a standard deck, making it impromptu and practical for performances with a borrowed, shuffled deck. It is suitable for intermediate magicians and relies on techniques like controls, forces, and a double lift, emphasizing timing, audience management, and clear gestures to enhance the magical effect.

Key features

  • Non-gimmicked and impromptu, requiring only a standard deck

  • Uses sleight of hand techniques including controls, forces, and a double lift

  • Suitable for intermediate magicians with practice

  • Can be performed with a borrowed, shuffled deck for added deception

  • Emphasizes timing, audience management, and clear gestures for a strong illusion

Pros

  • Highly practical and deceptive with no special equipment needed

  • Strong visual transposition effect that impresses spectators

  • Clear tutorial and logical steps make it buildable with practice

Cons

  • Requires intermediate skill level in sleight of hand

  • May need significant practice to master timing and gestures

Effect

The Slow Motion Aces trick shows four aces placed into four separate piles. The aces then visually move from their own piles to join together in one pile. This creates a clear and surprising transposition effect. The audience sees the aces slowly and cleanly gather together without any fast moves.

Full details

This version of Slow Motion Aces uses only sleight of hand. It requires a standard deck of cards. No gimmicks or special cards are needed. The routine is impromptu. You can perform it with a borrowed and shuffled deck. The method uses controls, forces, and a double lift. These techniques work together to create the illusion. The handling focuses on clear actions and timing. The effect appears fair and visual.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits intermediate card magicians. It is for performers who want a strong transposition effect. It is ideal for those who value impromptu magic. You can do this trick anywhere with any deck. It fits close-up and table performances.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick requires practice. The moves are not overly difficult. The key is timing and audience management. You need to perform controls and a double lift smoothly. The routine uses standard sleights. The focus is on making actions look natural. With practice, the sequence becomes fluid. It is manageable for magicians with some card experience.

What magicians say

BestMagic states this routine is "highly practical and deceptive." They note it uses "only sleight of hand with a standard deck." The method relies on "a clever combination of controls, forces, and a well-timed double lift." They emphasize that "no gimmicks or special cards are required." BestMagic recommends practicing until "the actions feel natural and unhurried." They suggest using "deliberate, clear gestures" to strengthen the illusion. This tutorial is for "intermediate card magicians looking to add a strong, impromptu ace transposition."

What people are saying about Slow Motion Aces

BestMagic says...

This tutorial teaches a non-gimmicked version of the classic McDonald Aces routine, inspired by Dai Vernon’s Slow Motion Aces. The effect sees the four aces visually and cleanly migrate from their own piles to join one another, creating a powerful transposition illusion using only sleight of hand.

Tutorial videos