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Switch Outside Lights by Ed Marlo

Created by: Ed Marlo

The 'Switch Outside Lights' is a sophisticated card control technique that allows a magician to secretly exchange or control a selected card within a spread deck. This move, popularized by Ed Marlo, is part of the broader 'Bottom Deal Exchange' family of techniques. It's primarily used in close-up magic, offering magicians a deceptive method to force, switch, or control a card with minimal suspicion. The technique involves a subtle 'buckling' action to loosen the bottom card, enabling seamless manipulation. Ideal for card magicians looking to enhance their repertoire with versatile and deceptive moves.

Key features

  • Versatile technique for forces, switches, and controls

  • Involves a subtle 'buckling' action for deception

  • Can be used with decks featuring different colored backs for enhanced illusions

  • Includes variations like face-up force, secret card force, and table force

  • Requires practice to master smoothness and deception

Pros

  • Highly versatile with multiple applications

  • Deceptive and smooth when mastered

  • Works well with decks of different colored backs

  • Enhances the magician's ability to control the outcome of card tricks

Cons

  • Requires significant practice to perform smoothly

  • May be challenging for beginners to master the subtle 'buckling' action

Effect

The Switch Outside Lights is a spread control technique that allows a magician to secretly exchange or control a selected card within a spread deck. To the audience, it appears as if the chosen card is fairly displayed or handled, with no suspicious movements. The magician can cleanly switch the selection or force a specific card while maintaining the illusion of a normal spread.

Full Details

The Switch Outside Lights is a move developed by Ed Marlo, often used in conjunction with other techniques like the Bottom Deal Exchange. It involves manipulating a spread deck to secretly align or exchange cards while maintaining a natural appearance. The magician spreads the cards, has a spectator touch one, and then subtly controls the selection—either switching it with another card or forcing a predetermined one.

Key elements of the move include:

  • A buckling action to loosen the bottom card (used in the Bottom Deal Exchange).
  • A spread control that conceals the exchange.
  • A flicking motion to cleanly remove or display the desired card.

The technique is versatile, working as a force, control, or switch, and can be combined with other moves for more complex routines.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This move is best suited for intermediate to advanced magicians familiar with card controls and forces. It requires practice to execute smoothly, making it less ideal for beginners. Magicians who enjoy Ed Marlo’s techniques or want a deceptive spread-based control will find this valuable.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Switch Outside Lights requires moderate to high skill due to its reliance on precise finger movements and misdirection. The Bottom Deal Exchange, which is often used with it, involves a buckling action that must be practiced for smoothness.

Key challenges include:

  • Maintaining a natural spread while executing the move.
  • Ensuring the exchange remains undetected.
  • Coordinating the flicking motion for a clean finish.

As SeanDevine notes, "It does take practice and you'll have to work at it, but once you do get it, it's a lot of fun to do and it feels very smooth in your hand."

What Magicians Say

SeanDevine, a seasoned magician, praises the Switch Outside Lights as a powerful tool for forces and controls. He highlights its adaptability, stating, "The sky is the limit with this move." He also emphasizes its deceptive nature, especially when combined with different-colored back cards: "That red card is just never seen as you do that."

He recommends practicing the Bottom Deal Exchange first, as it forms the foundation for the Switch Outside Lights. His tutorial demonstrates three force variations, showing how the move can be applied in different scenarios.

Overall, magicians who master this technique gain a highly deceptive and versatile tool for card magic.

What people are saying about Switch Outside Lights

SeanDevine says...

The 'Switch Outside Lights' spread control is another move by Ed Marlo, to further showcase the versatility of the Bottom Deal Exchange. [...] I'm sure you've already picked up by now it's the same exact moves all you're doing here is doing the same bottom Deal Exchange action but this time you just kick the card out like this and it really couldn't be easier once you know the initial bottom Deal Exchange move then you can really pretty much do anything with it guys.

Tutorial videos