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Spread Cull

Spread Cull is a fundamental close-up card magic technique that allows a magician to secretly locate and control one or more cards while casually spreading through the deck. During performance, the magician appears to simply spread the cards face-down on the table or in their hands, but secretly uses finger pressure and subtle hand movements to cull (extract) specific cards to the top or bottom of the deck. This technique is invisible to spectators and forms the backbone of countless card tricks, including classics like Triumph where it's used to secretly reverse a selected card among a shuffled mix. Buyers should know this is a sleight-of-hand skill requiring practice to master, not a gimmicked trick with props—it works with any standard deck of cards.

Key features

  • Works with any standard deck of cards—no gimmicks or special equipment needed

  • Fundamental technique used in many classic card tricks like Triumph

  • Allows secret control of cards during an apparent fair spread

  • Requires practice to master the subtle finger pressure and hand movements

  • Can be adapted for both table and in-hand performances

Pros

  • Versatile technique applicable to numerous card routines

  • Completely impromptu—can be performed anytime with any deck

  • Strengthens foundational card handling skills

  • Invisible to spectators when executed properly

Cons

  • Requires significant practice to perform smoothly and naturally

  • Not a complete trick by itself—must be incorporated into routines

  • Can be challenging for beginners to master the subtle mechanics

Effect

The Spread Cull is a card sleight. It allows a magician to secretly locate and control one or more selected cards while casually spreading the deck in their hands. To an audience, it looks like the magician is simply showing the cards or mixing them. The selected cards appear lost in the spread, but the magician secretly gathers them to a known position.

Full details

The Spread Cull is a technique used in card magic. It is performed while the deck is held in the hands and the cards are being spread from hand to hand. The move lets the magician find a chosen card by its position in the spread and secretly pull it to the bottom or top of the deck. It can also be used to control multiple cards at once. The action is hidden within the natural motion of handling the cards. This sleight is a utility move for many card tricks.

Who should consider the trick

The Spread Cull is for card magicians. Beginners can learn it as a first control technique. Steve Faulkner offers a free course on it for new learners. It is also used by experienced performers. The move is a core part of classic routines like Triumph. Magicians who want a subtle way to control cards should consider learning the Spread Cull.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Spread Cull is not a complex sleight. The tutorial from AMillionCardTricks presents it as a core technique suitable for beginners. It relies on fundamental card handling. However, it requires practice to look natural. The move must be performed at a relaxed, conversational pace. Magicians should practice the spread action until it appears casual.

What magicians say

Reviewers discuss the Spread Cull as a foundational skill. Steve Faulkner promotes a free Spread Cull course as a gift for new members to his Online Magic platform. He aims to create a supportive environment for all skill levels. AMillionCardTricks teaches the Spread Cull as part of the classic Triumph trick. They state the method uses core techniques rather than complex sleight of hand. They advise practicing the controlled actions until they look natural. The tutorial stresses maintaining a relaxed pace to mask the secret moves.

What people are saying about Spread Cull

AMillionCardTricks says...

The tutorial also covers the crucial double lift and the spread cull, which are used to secretly reverse the selected card among the others. [...] The creator loved the idea of having the spectator genuinely shuffle the deck themselves at a key moment, which heightens the fairness of the effect.

RealMagicReview says...

Steve highlights the community-driven approach, welcoming magicians of all levels to learn and grow together. He also shares a free Spread Cull course as a gift for new members.

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Tutorial videos