Stir Stick Magic Trick by Jay Sankey

Created by: Jay Sankey

The Stir Stick Magic Trick is a close-up card trick that uses a simple stir stick to create a mind-blowing illusion. The spectator freely selects a card from a shuffled deck, which is then seemingly lost in the middle of the pack. Using the stir stick, the spectator is asked to push it into the deck to find their card again. Miraculously, the stir stick locates the exact card they chose, even after the deck has been shuffled and cut. This trick is perfect for impromptu performances in casual settings like coffee shops or bars, as it uses everyday objects to create a sense of organic, impossible magic.

Key features

  • Uses a stir stick, an everyday object, to create a strong magical effect

  • Beginner-friendly with easy-to-learn moves

  • Highly deceptive and fooling for spectators

  • Can be performed impromptu with minimal setup

  • Incorporates a sneaky card control and double cut for added deception

Pros

  • Simple to learn and perform

  • Uses a common object, making it organic and relatable

  • Highly deceptive and fooling

  • Perfect for casual, impromptu performances

  • Engages the spectator directly in the magic

Cons

  • Requires some practice to master the card control and double cut

  • May not be suitable for large stage performances

  • Relies on a specific prop (stir stick), which may not always be available

Effect

The Stir Stick Magic Trick is a simple yet highly deceptive card trick that uses a stir stick to create a sense of impossibility. The magician asks a spectator to touch any card in a shuffled deck with the tip of the stir stick. After the card is noted and seemingly lost in the deck, the spectator is asked to use the same stir stick to push into the deck again. Miraculously, the stir stick locates the exact card they initially chose. The trick is organic and fits naturally into casual settings like coffee shops or bars, making it feel spontaneous and impossible to the audience.

Full details

The trick begins with a shuffled deck of cards. The spectator is given a stir stick and asked to touch any card in the spread deck with the tip of the stick. The card is noted and seemingly returned to the middle of the deck. The magician then performs a series of subtle moves, including a sneaky card control and a double cut, to ensure the selected card remains on top of the deck. The spectator is then asked to use the stir stick again, this time pushing it into the deck to reveal the exact card they initially chose. The trick is designed to be performed casually, with minimal setup, making it ideal for impromptu performances.

Who should consider the trick

The Stir Stick Magic Trick is perfect for magicians who perform in casual or social settings, such as coffee shops, bars, or restaurants. It’s also a great choice for beginners or intermediate magicians looking for an easy-to-learn yet highly deceptive trick. The use of a common object like a stir stick makes it feel organic and relatable to the audience, enhancing the overall impact of the performance.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is beginner-friendly and easy to learn, with clear, step-by-step instructions provided by Jay Sankey. The key moves, such as the sneaky card control and double cut, are simple to execute but require practice to perform smoothly and naturally. The trick’s deceptive nature comes from its casual presentation, so magicians should focus on maintaining a relaxed and confident demeanor during the performance.

What magicians say

Jay Sankey describes the trick as "bulletproof" and "very deceptive," emphasizing its simplicity and effectiveness. He notes that the trick "always deceives people" and is ideal for impromptu performances. The use of a stir stick adds an organic element to the trick, making it feel more natural and impossible to the audience. Sankey also highlights the importance of casual presentation, stating that the trick works best when performed in a relaxed and focused manner. Overall, the Stir Stick Magic Trick is praised for its ease of learning, deceptive nature, and suitability for casual settings.

What people are saying about Stir Stick Magic Trick

Jay Sankey says...

When you can incorporate something from the space you're in into the magic, it always brings the magic down to earth, gives it a reason, gives it a bit of a heartbeat, makes it seem more impossible.

Tutorial videos