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The Adjustment Bureau by Brad Ballew

Created by: Brad Ballew

The Adjustment Bureau is a captivating 'Any Card At Any Number' (ACAAN) routine where a spectator freely selects any card from a deck and, through a series of seemingly random mathematical calculations guided by the magician, their chosen card is revealed to be at a specific position in the deck. The trick requires minimal props—just a deck of cards, a pen, and paper—and leverages a mathematical principle to achieve the effect. The spectator uses their phone calculator to perform calculations, enhancing the illusion of randomness and personal involvement. This is a close-up or parlour magic trick that appeals to those who enjoy mathematical magic and interactive performances. The deck remains in a normal order throughout, making reset quick and easy.

Key features

  • Uses a normal deck with no sleight of hand required.

  • Spectator involvement enhances the sense of agency and wonder.

  • Mathematical principle ensures a clean and foolproof outcome.

  • Quick reset possible even if the deck is shuffled.

  • Ideal for repeated performances with different spectators.

Pros

  • Engaging and interactive for spectators.

  • Minimal props needed—just a deck, pen, and paper.

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

  • Strong narrative potential, especially with the Philip K. Dick-inspired presentation.

  • Affordable at just $10 for the full package.

Cons

  • Less ideal if the spectator selects a club, as the 'outs' are slightly less convenient.

  • Similar to other math-based ACAAN tricks like Daniel Johnson's *Fast*, which may reduce its novelty for some.

  • Requires memorization of 'outs' for different spectator responses.

Effect

The Adjustment Bureau is an "any card at any number" (ACAAN) trick where a spectator freely selects a card and performs simple calculations on their phone calculator. After a series of mathematical steps guided by the magician, the spectator counts down to a specific position in the deck—revealing their chosen card exactly where predicted. The effect appears completely fair, with no forces, deck manipulation, or sleight of hand.

Full Details

The trick requires minimal props: a deck of cards, a pen, and paper. The deck is handed to the spectator in a normal order, eliminating any suspicion of prearrangement. A key element is the magician writing down a pre-determined "adjustment" number before the spectator reveals their card. This number ensures the mathematical process leads to the correct position.

The spectator uses their phone calculator to generate a random number, which is then combined with the card's value and the magician's adjustment. The final calculation directs the spectator to the exact location of their card in the deck. The method relies on mathematical principles rather than sleight of hand, making it accessible to performers of all skill levels.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy math-based magic and want a clean, engaging ACAAN routine. It works well for performers who prefer minimal props and want a method that allows spectator involvement. Since the deck remains unaltered, it is also suitable for impromptu performances.

Difficulty

The Adjustment Bureau is easy to perform, requiring no advanced sleight of hand. The main challenge is remembering the "outs"—pre-calculated solutions for different spectator responses. The mathematical process is straightforward, but performers must be comfortable guiding spectators through calculations.

What Magicians Say

Magic Orthodoxy's David describes it as "a fun alternative to existing ACAAN solutions," praising its spectator involvement and ease of reset. He notes similarities to Daniel Johnson’s Fast but highlights the unique presentation. One drawback is that the trick is slightly less convenient if the spectator selects a club.

Saturn Magic Shop emphasizes the psychological misdirection and storytelling potential, comparing the routine to Philip K. Dick’s The Adjustment Bureau. The use of a calculator reinforces randomness, making the effect more convincing.

Overall, reviewers agree that The Adjustment Bureau is a strong ACAAN option for those who appreciate mathematical magic and spectator interaction.

What people are saying about The Adjustment Bureau

David (Magic Orthodoxy) says...

This is a fun and engaging alternative to existing ACAAN solutions. The spectator's involvement in the calculations creates a sense of agency and makes the outcome feel self-generated.

SaturnMagicShop says...

Brad Ballew's presentation cleverly uses psychological misdirection and storytelling to create a sense of anticipation and wonder, making the seemingly impossible appear almost inevitable.

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Tutorial videos