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Swindle by Steve Cook

Created by: Steve Cook

Swindle by Steve Cook is a deceptive card trick designed for close-up magic performances. The magician presents the audience with a black box and a white box, allowing them to freely choose one. Regardless of their choice, they find a note inside saying 'Congratulations, you get to see an amazing card trick,' while the other box contains a £10 note, creating a humorous and engaging moment. This trick is perfect for magicians looking for a simple yet effective opener that plays big with audiences.

Key features

  • Simple yet highly deceptive method

  • Works as a great opener for close-up or table magic acts

  • Engages the audience with a 50/50 choice and humorous outcome

  • No sleight of hand required, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels

Pros

  • Easy to perform with minimal setup

  • Creates a strong audience connection and laughter

  • Versatile for various performance settings

Cons

  • Limited to performances where a table or close-up setting is available

  • May require additional props (boxes) for the full effect

Effect

Swindle by Steve Cook is a deceptive card trick that plays with the audience's expectations. The magician presents two boxes, one black and one white, and asks a spectator to freely choose one. No matter which box they pick, they find a note inside that says, "Congratulations, you get to see an amazing card trick." This gets laughs, but when the magician opens the other box, it contains a real £10 note, leading to even bigger reactions. The trick creates a playful moment where spectators often ask, "Can I pick again?"

Full Details

Swindle is a self-contained trick that requires minimal setup and no sleight of hand. It uses a clever gimmick to ensure the spectator always picks the "wrong" box, while the magician retains control of the outcome. The trick includes a built-in reveal that transitions smoothly into a follow-up card effect, making it a strong opener for a set.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Swindle is ideal for:

  • Magicians who perform close-up or table magic.
  • Those looking for a quick, engaging opener that requires no advanced skills.
  • Performers who want a self-working trick with strong audience interaction.

Difficulty

Swindle is rated as easy to perform. It requires no sleight of hand, making it accessible to beginners, but its deceptive nature ensures strong reactions even from experienced audiences. The trick’s structure allows for natural pacing, making it easy to fit into a routine.

What Magicians Say

  • AlakazamMagicUK describes Swindle as "a great little opener" that’s "not very expensive" and plays well in table magic settings. They highlight its deceptive simplicity and recommend pairing it with other effects like Professor’s Nightmare for a strong routine.
  • Rob Sweet (Sweet Deception Magic) calls it a "good opener" and notes that spectators have "no idea how I made them pick the wrong box." He appreciates how it sets up a playful dynamic early in a performance.

Swindle by Steve Cook is a clever, self-working trick that delivers strong reactions with minimal effort, making it a solid choice for magicians at any skill level.

What people are saying about Swindle by Steve Cook

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Swindle is a great little opener and it's not very expensive either... you can do that in a spectator's hand.

Rob Sweet says...

When I first saw this I thought it was too simple but soon realized it's a good opener and The Spectators have no idea how I made them pick the wrong box.

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