SleightfulThe Adjustment Bureau A.C.A.A.N. by Brad Ballew
Created by: Brad Ballew
Where to buy
 | Magicbox | The Adjustment Bureau A.C.A.A.N. by Brad Ballew - Video Download | £7.40 | 🇬🇧 Shop |
 | Alakazam Magic | The Adjustment Bureau A.C.A.A.N. by Brad Ballew video DOWNLOAD | £8.72 | 🇬🇧 Shop |
Key features
Inspired by Philip K. Dick's *The Adjustment Bureau*, adding a unique narrative element
Combines psychological misdirection with storytelling for a compelling performance
Spectator freely chooses a card and a random number, enhancing the effect's fairness
Uses a calculator to generate a random number, reinforcing the idea of randomness
Final revelation involves adding the digits of the random number to the card's value, leading to the card's position in the deck
Pros
Engaging and theatrical presentation
Strong narrative element enhances the magical experience
Spectator's free choices make the effect more convincing
Use of a calculator adds an innovative twist to the ACAAN routine
Cons
Method remains undisclosed in the provided material, requiring purchase for full understanding
May require practice to master the storytelling and misdirection elements
Effect
The Adjustment Bureau ACAAN (Any Card At Any Number) creates the illusion that a spectator's freely chosen card appears at a randomly selected position in the deck. The magician presents the trick as if an unseen force—inspired by The Adjustment Bureau—subtly manipulates events to make the impossible happen. The spectator picks a card and generates a random number, yet through an "adjustment," the card appears exactly where predicted.
Full Details
The routine begins with the spectator selecting a card and a number, both seemingly free choices. A calculator is used to reinforce randomness, and the digits of the number are added together. The magician then introduces an "adjustment" factor, combining it with the spectator's selections to reveal the card at the predicted position. The presentation leans heavily on storytelling, framing the trick as a demonstration of fate being subtly guided.
Who Should Consider the Trick
This trick suits magicians who enjoy narrative-driven performances. It works well for those comfortable with psychological misdirection and audience interaction. Since the effect relies on presentation rather than complex sleight of hand, it is accessible to intermediate performers who can sell the story convincingly.
Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform
The method itself is not technically demanding, but the success of the trick depends on strong presentation skills. The performer must engage the spectator with the story of The Adjustment Bureau and maintain the illusion of free choice. No advanced card handling is required, making it manageable for those still developing their sleight-of-hand abilities.
What Magicians Say
SaturnMagicShop highlights the effectiveness of the narrative approach, stating that Brad Ballew's presentation "creates a captivating atmosphere by weaving a story around the effect." The use of a calculator to generate randomness is noted as a clever way to reinforce the fairness of the selection. The video emphasizes that while the odds of the trick working without the "adjustment" are low, acknowledging this fact paradoxically strengthens the illusion.
The performance demonstrates how storytelling can elevate a classic ACAAN effect, making it more engaging and memorable for the audience. As SaturnMagicShop puts it, "The video showcases the potential of 'The Adjustment Bureau' ACAAN when combined with a strong narrative and skillful performance."
What people are saying about The Adjustment Bureau A.C.A.A.N.
SaturnMagicShop says...
Brad Ballew's presentation is engaging and theatrical. The video showcases the potential of 'The Adjustment Bureau' ACAAN when combined with a strong narrative and skillful performance.
Tutorial videos
Saturn Magic - The Adjustment Bureau A.C.A.A.N. by Brad Ballew video DOWNLOAD
SaturnMagicShop mentioned this magic trick in this video.