Sterling by Martin MacMillan

Effect

Sterling is a prediction-based card trick that combines coins and a deck of cards to create a seemingly impossible outcome. The magician gives the spectator five coins of different denominations (e.g., 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p). The spectator arranges the coins in any order they choose. The magician then uses the values of the coins to deal cards from a shuffled deck, stopping at specific points based on the coin values. Despite the random arrangement of the coins and the shuffled deck, the magician’s prediction matches the exact sequence of cards dealt. The effect is clean, direct, and leaves the audience baffled.

Full details

Sterling is a self-working trick that requires minimal sleight of hand, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The trick uses a standard deck of cards and five coins (or poker chips with numbers if coins aren’t available). The spectator is given complete freedom to arrange the coins in any order, and the magician deals cards based on the values of the coins. The prediction, which is revealed at the end, matches the exact sequence of cards dealt, despite the seemingly random nature of the process. The method is cleverly designed to ensure the trick works every time, with no need for complex moves or setups.

Who should consider the trick

Sterling is ideal for magicians who perform close-up or parlor magic and are looking for a strong, self-working trick that can be performed with minimal preparation. It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy prediction effects and want a routine that is both baffling and easy to perform. The trick’s versatility allows it to be adapted for different currencies or even poker chips, making it accessible to magicians worldwide.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Sterling is rated as beginner-friendly, as it requires no advanced sleight of hand or complex moves. The trick is self-working, meaning the method ensures the effect happens automatically once the spectator arranges the coins and the cards are dealt. The only skill required is the ability to handle the deck and coins confidently, making it an excellent choice for magicians who are just starting out or those who prefer tricks that are easy to perform but still highly effective.

What magicians say

Mark Elsdon, a renowned mentalist, describes Sterling as "utterly impossible" and praises its clever design, stating, "There’s just too many combinations for the deck to handle, yet it works every time." Craig Petty, a well-known magician and reviewer, calls it "a fooler for both laypeople and magicians," highlighting its commercial appeal and ease of performance. Martin MacMillan, the creator of Sterling, explains that the trick was born out of a sleepless night of creative problem-solving, and he was thrilled with the initial response when he first performed it. Magicians who have performed Sterling often note its versatility and the strong reactions it elicits from audiences.