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The Encyclopedia of Card Magic by Vinny Sagoo

Created by: Vinny Sagoo

Miraculous by Vinny Sagoo is a modern, hands-off card magic trick that builds upon the classic Mirror Skill principle. It involves a specially manufactured deck with half black-backed and half red-backed cards, along with a 'lucky card' to guide the presentation. The trick is performed with two spectators and unfolds in three phases, where the outcome changes each time, making it unpredictable yet consistently favoring the spectator with the lucky card. The routine culminates in a clever twist where the deck is reshuffled, and the lucky card is removed, resulting in a draw. This trick is designed for close-up magic and requires no setup or reset, making it ready to perform right out of the box.

Key features

  • Completely hands-off for the magician

  • Builds upon the classic Mirror Skill principle

  • Specially manufactured deck with black and red-backed cards

  • Includes a 'lucky card' to guide the presentation

  • Unfolds in three phases with changing outcomes

  • Comes with an 8-minute instructional video

  • Designed for two spectators

Pros

  • No setup or reset required

  • Self-working and easy to perform

  • Engaging and deceptive for spectators

  • Innovative take on a classic principle

  • Specially prepared deck enhances the effect

Cons

  • Priced at $38, which may be considered high for a deck of cards

  • Requires two spectators to perform effectively

Effect

The Encyclopedia of Card Magic presents a hands-off, self-working card trick where the magician does not manipulate the deck. Two spectators choose between red or black-backed cards. A "lucky card" is placed over one spectator's stack, and the deck is dealt in pairs. The spectator with the lucky card consistently ends up with more cards in their stack, despite the deck being shuffled by the spectators. The routine includes three phases, culminating in a final twist where removing the lucky card results in a draw, reinforcing the impossibility of the effect.

Full Details

The trick uses a specially manufactured deck with half black-backed and half red-backed cards. A lucky card is included to guide the presentation. The routine is structured in three phases:

  • The deck is shuffled, and the lucky card is placed over one spectator's stack. Cards are dealt in pairs, and the lucky spectator always has more.
  • The lucky card is moved to the other spectator, and the process repeats with the same outcome.
  • The lucky card is removed, resulting in a draw between both spectators.

    • The trick requires no setup or reset and works immediately out of the box. An 8-minute instructional video is provided.

    Who Should Consider the Trick

    This trick is ideal for magicians who want a self-working, hands-off routine that engages multiple spectators. It suits beginners due to its simplicity but also appeals to experienced performers looking for a fresh take on the classic Mirror Skill principle.

    Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

    The trick is easy to perform, requiring no sleight of hand or advanced techniques. The only requirement is following the simple dealing procedure. The lucky card ensures clarity in presentation, eliminating the need for memorization.

    What Magicians Say

    David from Magic Orthodoxy praises the trick, stating, "It's completely hands-off... the magic happens in the spectator's hands." He highlights the unpredictability of the outcome, noting, "The numbers change every time, but whoever has the lucky card will always win." He also appreciates the final twist, calling it "even more impossible."

    The specially prepared deck and lucky card simplify the routine, making it accessible while maintaining strong magical impact. David recommends it, especially for the included lucky card, which enhances the presentation.

    What people are saying about The Encyclopedia of Card Magic

    David from Magic Orthodoxy says...

    The trick is completely hands off completely hands off there's no setup there's no reset and the magic happens in the spectator's hands you will do literally nothing and it's a great trick that works for two people and it has three phases which means you can do it first second and third time and you get a fun reaction each and every time.

    Review videos