Sleightful logoSleightful

Super Strong Self-Working Card Trick

Super Strong Self-Working Card Trick is a powerful close-up card magic trick that consistently reveals a spectator’s chosen card after multiple shuffles and cuts, using a clever key card principle. It's designed to be baffling even to seasoned magicians, requiring minimal sleight of hand. The trick works with a full 52-card deck and offers two methods: an advanced version allowing spectator shuffling and a simplified pre-set deck version.

Key features

  • Requires a full 52-card deck to work correctly

  • Teaches two methods: advanced with spectator shuffling and simplified pre-set deck

  • Utilizes the key card principle for locating the spectator's chosen card

  • Includes efficient counting techniques and psychological forces

  • Performance tips for memorization, elimination drama, and handling skeptics

Pros

  • Low-skill, high-impact routine

  • Baffling even to seasoned magicians

  • Two methods cater to different performance styles

  • Includes performance tips for a stronger effect

Cons

-

Effect

The Super Strong Self-Working Card Trick makes it appear as though the magician can instantly locate a spectator’s freely chosen card, even after the deck has been shuffled multiple times. The spectator picks a card, returns it to the deck, and shuffles it themselves. Despite this, the magician confidently narrows down the selection and reveals it with precision.

Full Details

The trick uses a key card principle, where the magician secretly notes the 26th card from the bottom of the deck. This card acts as a reference point to find the spectator’s selection. Two methods are taught:

  • Advanced Version – The spectator shuffles the deck freely, and the magician memorizes the key card before the trick begins.
  • Simplified Version – The deck is pre-set with the key card, removing the need for spectator shuffling but keeping the effect strong.

    • The magician counts cards in a strategic way to locate the chosen card, using either single-card counting or faster group counting (e.g., in threes). Psychological forces help guide the spectator toward their own card at the climax.

    Who Should Consider the Trick

    This trick is ideal for:

    • Beginners who want a powerful effect without complex sleight of hand.
    • Intermediate magicians looking for a reliable, self-working routine.
    • Performers who want a trick that works well even with skeptical audiences.

    Difficulty

    The trick is easy to learn and requires no advanced card handling. The most challenging part is smoothly memorizing the key card without drawing suspicion. The counting process is straightforward, and the psychological forces are simple to apply.

    What Magicians Say

    Steven Taputoro calls this a "killer" trick, praising its deceptive simplicity. He notes that even experienced magicians find it baffling. A standout quote: "It’s one of those tricks you’ll want to show magicians just to fool them—it’s that good."

    The trick is particularly effective because it allows the spectator to shuffle the deck freely, making the revelation seem impossible. The advanced version adds extra mystery, while the simplified version is great for quick performances.

    This is a low-skill, high-impact routine that plays big with minimal effort.

    What people are saying about Super Strong Self-Working Card Trick

    steventaputoro says...

    It’s one of those tricks you’ll want to show magicians just to fool them—it’s that good.

    Tutorial videos