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The Clock Principle

The Clock Principle is a classic self-working card trick that ingeniously connects a deck of cards to the concept of time and calendars. In this trick, 12 cards represent the hours on a clock. A spectator cuts the deck, counts the cards silently, and places them in a box, creating a random hour. The magician then reveals the spectator's chosen card at the corresponding hour position. This trick requires no sleight of hand, making it accessible for beginners, and relies heavily on spectator participation, which enhances audience engagement. It's a perfect addition to any magician's repertoire, especially for those who enjoy interactive and easy-to-perform card tricks.

Key features

  • Self-working card trick with no sleight of hand required

  • Connects a deck of cards to time and calendar concepts

  • Strong audience engagement through spectator participation

  • Perfect for beginners and experienced magicians alike

  • Historical significance in the world of magic

Pros

  • Easy to learn and perform

  • No advanced techniques required

  • Strong audience interaction

  • Historical and classic appeal

Cons

  • Relies heavily on spectator participation

  • May feel predictable to experienced magicians

Effect

The Clock Principle is a card trick that connects a deck of cards to the concept of time. The magician uses 12 cards to represent the hours on a clock. A spectator cuts the deck, counts the cards silently, and places them in a box, creating a random hour. The trick reveals the spectator's chosen card at the corresponding hour position. The effect is a surprising and engaging moment that ties the deck of cards to the idea of time and calendars.

Full details

The Clock Principle is a self-working card trick, meaning it requires no advanced sleight of hand. The trick uses 12 cards to represent the 12 hours on a clock. The spectator participates by cutting the deck and counting the cards silently, which determines the hour. The chosen card is then revealed at the corresponding hour position. The trick is simple to set up and perform, making it accessible for magicians of all skill levels. It is a classic routine that has been used in magic for many years.

Who should consider the trick

The Clock Principle is ideal for beginners because it requires no sleight of hand. It is also suitable for experienced magicians who want a quick and easy trick to add to their repertoire. The trick is great for performances with friends, family, or larger audiences. It is particularly effective for those who enjoy tricks that involve spectator participation.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Clock Principle is very easy to perform. It is a self-working trick, so it does not require any advanced card handling skills. The setup is minimal, and the trick relies on the spectator's actions to create the effect. This makes it a great choice for magicians who are just starting out or those who want a low-effort trick that still delivers a strong impact.

What magicians say

Craig Petty describes The Clock Principle as a "timeless self-working card trick" that connects a deck of cards to time and calendar concepts. He emphasizes that the trick is accessible for beginners because it requires no sleight of hand. Craig also highlights the strong audience engagement that comes from the spectator's participation in the trick. He notes that the trick is simple to perform and has historical significance in magic. However, he mentions that the trick may feel predictable to experienced magicians. Overall, The Clock Principle is praised for its ease of learning and performing, making it a great addition to any magician's toolkit.

What people are saying about The Clock Principle

Craig Petty says...

The Clock Principle is a timeless self-working card trick that ties a deck of cards to the concept of time and calendars. [...] No sleight of hand is required, making it accessible for beginners.

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Tutorial videos