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Sum of All Fours by John Bannon

Created by: John Bannon

Sum of All Fours is a self-working magic square trick that leverages mathematical properties to create an awe-inspiring revelation. It's a card trick that falls under the close-up magic category, designed to appear as real magic rather than a procedural puzzle. The trick is ready for real-world performance with minimal setup and maximum impact, making it practical for professional use.

Key features

  • Self-Working & Disguised Math: The trick is built on mathematical principles but cleverly disguises the mechanics.

  • Foolproof for All Audiences: Designed to fool spectators unless they know the method.

  • Real-World Performance Ready: Minimal setup with maximum impact for professional use.

  • Natural Handling: Emphasizes making mathematical underpinnings invisible to focus on the magic.

Pros

  • Self-working, requiring no sleight of hand.

  • Highly deceptive and engaging for both magicians and lay audiences.

  • Practical for professional use with minimal setup.

Cons

  • May not appeal to magicians who prefer tricks requiring sleight of hand.

  • Relies on mathematical principles, which might not interest everyone.

Effect

The Sum of All Fours is a self-working card trick that creates a magic square effect. The spectator sees a seemingly random selection of cards, but through a clever mathematical process, the magician reveals a perfectly balanced and impossible arrangement. The result appears as a structured, visually satisfying revelation that defies logic.

Full Details

This trick uses a mathematical principle to generate a magic square with playing cards. The method is self-working, meaning no sleight of hand is required. The magician guides the spectator through a series of simple steps, such as dealing or counting cards, but the underlying math ensures a surprising outcome. The trick disguises its mathematical foundation, making it feel like pure magic rather than a puzzle.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Sum of All All Fours is ideal for magicians who want a reliable, no-sleight trick that still impresses. It works well for performers who like mathematical magic but want routines that don’t feel procedural. It’s also a strong choice for beginners, since it requires no advanced techniques.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The trick is easy to learn and perform. Since it is self-working, the main challenge is presentation. The magician must focus on making the counting or dealing actions seem natural, as John Bannon emphasizes in his tutorial. With minimal practice, the trick can be performed smoothly.

What Magicians Say

John Bannon describes the Sum of All Fours as a deceptive routine that leverages mathematical properties to create an awe-inspiring revelation. He highlights that the trick is designed to feel organic, not like a math puzzle. The method remains hidden, so spectators see only the magic.

The trick is part of Bannon’s Outnumbered collection, which focuses on making mathematical card tricks feel like real magic. According to Bannon, these routines are structured for real-world performance, with minimal setup and maximum impact.

Magicians who enjoy self-working tricks with strong audience reactions will find this a valuable addition to their repertoire. The Sum of All Fours is particularly effective because it combines simplicity with a powerful, visual finish.

What people are saying about Sum of All Fours

penguinmagictricks5930 says...

John Bannon’s **Outnumbered** is a **tutorial** (and promotional) video showcasing his latest collection of mathematically inspired card tricks designed to feel like *real magic* rather than procedural puzzles.

Tutorial videos