Spectator Cuts the Aces by David Solomon

Created by: David Solomon

Spectator Cuts the Aces is a classic close-up card magic trick where a spectator shuffles the deck and cuts it into four piles, with each cut revealing an Ace (or sometimes a King) in a seemingly impossible and fair manner. The magician guides the spectator through a simple counting process, making them feel in complete control, yet the outcome is always the discovery of the Aces. This trick is ideal for walk-around or table performances, requiring no complex sleights and being reset-friendly for quick repetition. Buyers should note that it uses a standard deck with possible setups like double-backed cards or specific arrangements, and it emphasizes presentation to enhance the illusion of randomness.

Key features

  • Uses a clever counting method for deception

  • No complex sleights required, easy to learn and perform

  • Reset-friendly setup for quick repetition

  • Spectator feels in complete control, enhancing engagement

  • Suitable for walk-around or table magic

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and can fool even knowledgeable audiences

  • Engaging plot that involves spectators directly

  • Visual impact with clean reveals

  • Practical for various performance settings

Cons

  • Requires initial setup with double-backed cards or specific deck arrangements

  • Involves counting steps that might feel repetitive if overused

Effect

A spectator shuffles a deck of cards. They divide the deck into four piles. The spectator then cuts the deck in a seemingly random way. After following the magician's instructions, the spectator turns over cards. They find all four Aces. In some versions, each Ace is paired with a King. The spectator feels they had complete control throughout the entire process.

Full details

This trick is a card routine where the spectator handles the deck. The method uses a clever counting procedure. The magician gives instructions for the spectator to count cards from the top of each pile. This counting method leads the spectator to the Aces. No complex sleight of hand is required. The deck can be shuffled by the spectator before the trick begins. The routine is reset-friendly, allowing it to be repeated. The method is based on principles from David Solomon's work.

Who should consider the trick

Magicians who perform walk-around or table magic should consider this trick. It works well for close-up performances. It is suitable for magicians who want a trick with high spectator involvement. This trick is good for those who prefer methods that do not rely on difficult sleights. Steve Faulkner performed this trick at a convention, showing it fits professional settings.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is not difficult to perform. Craig Petty describes it as clean and easy to perform. It requires no complex sleights. The method involves a counting procedure that is straightforward to learn. The trick is accessible for magicians of various skill levels. Practice is needed to deliver the instructions clearly and maintain a natural presentation.

What magicians say

Craig Petty recommends "Spectator Cuts the Aces" as a practical trick. He says it is reset-friendly and good for walk-around magic. Steve Faulkner performed the trick at The Session Convention. He noted that his performance had some flaws but was well-received by the audience. A reviewer from Big Blind Media expressed surprise at the trick's deceptive power. They said it can fool audiences, even those who know magic. The reviewer emphasized that the trick makes the spectator feel in complete control, which strengthens the effect.

What people are saying about Spectator Cuts the Aces

Big Blind Media Creator says...

The creator expresses genuine surprise at the trick's deceptive nature, emphasizing how convincingly it can fool an audience, even those familiar with magic.

Craig Petty says...

The first trick, 'Spectator Cuts The Aces,' involves the spectator cutting to the four aces with no adjustments, making it clean and easy to perform.

Steve Faulkner says...

He then shares his own performance of 'Spectator Cuts the Aces,' where a spectator finds the four aces, admitting it had flaws but was well-received.

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