The Coincidence Trick by Jay Sankey

Created by: Jay Sankey

The Coincidence Trick is a beginner-friendly card trick that creates an unforgettable moment of magic. The spectator shuffles a deck of cards, and the magician removes one card, placing it inside the card case. After another shuffle, the spectator freely selects any card from the deck, which is also placed inside the case. When the case is opened, the two cards are revealed to be a perfect match, creating a stunning coincidence. This trick requires no sleight of hand, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. It’s perfect for close-up or casual performances and leaves audiences amazed by the seemingly impossible alignment of events.

Key features

  • No sleight of hand required, making it beginner-friendly

  • Uses a borrowed deck and card case, making it impromptu

  • Spectator shuffles and freely selects cards, ensuring fairness

  • Creates a powerful and memorable coincidence effect

  • Easy to perform with clear instructions and minimal setup

Pros

  • Highly visual and impactful for audiences

  • Simple to learn and perform, even for beginners

  • Uses common props (deck of cards and card case)

  • Can be performed impromptu with borrowed materials

  • Leaves a lasting impression on spectators

Cons

  • Requires a card case, which may not always be available

  • Limited to card magic enthusiasts or those with a deck handy

  • May feel repetitive if performed multiple times for the same audience

Effect

The Coincidence Trick creates a moment of astonishment when two cards, chosen by the spectator, impossibly match. The spectator shuffles the deck, and the magician removes a card, placing it in the card case. After another shuffle, the spectator touches any card, which is also placed in the case. When the case is opened, the two cards are revealed to be a perfect match, creating a powerful and unforgettable coincidence.

Full details

The Coincidence Trick is a card-based effect that relies on psychology and clever handling rather than complex sleights. The spectator shuffles the deck, and the magician removes a card, secretly controlling a second card in the process. The spectator then shuffles again and touches any card, which is seemingly added to the case. In reality, the second card is not placed inside the case but is instead left hidden beneath it. The final reveal shows that the two cards are a perfect match, leaving the audience amazed. The trick is impromptu, requiring only a standard deck of cards and its case.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for beginners or magicians looking for a quick, easy-to-perform effect that requires no advanced sleight of hand. It’s also great for performers who want to add a psychological element to their routines, as the concept of coincidence resonates strongly with audiences. If you enjoy tricks that are straightforward yet highly impactful, The Coincidence Trick is a strong choice.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Coincidence Trick is designed to be easy to perform, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. It requires no complex sleights or advanced techniques, focusing instead on simple card handling and misdirection. Jay Sankey emphasizes that the trick is beginner-friendly and can be mastered quickly with practice. The key lies in the smooth execution of the moves and maintaining a natural flow during the performance.

What magicians say

Jay Sankey describes The Coincidence Trick as "super easy" and "foolproof," noting that it has fooled even expert magicians. He highlights its psychological appeal, stating that "everybody can relate to coincidence," which makes the trick particularly engaging for audiences. The trick’s simplicity and strong impact make it a favorite for performers who want to create a memorable moment without relying on difficult techniques. Sankey also praises the trick’s fairness, as the spectator has complete freedom in shuffling and choosing cards, adding to the effect’s credibility.

What people are saying about The Coincidence Trick

SankeyMagic says...

This trick is so clever it's fooled expert magicians, and it's so easy it doesn't require any sleights. It's that cool.

Tutorial videos