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The Fastest Reverse on Earth by Chris Carter and Larry Jennings

Created by: Chris Carter, Larry Jennings

The Fastest Reverse on Earth is a highly visual and impromptu card trick that can be performed with any deck of cards at any time. The magician has a spectator select a card, which is then lost in the deck. Using a rapid 'reverse' action, the magician seemingly locates the spectator's chosen card in a visually stunning manner. The trick relies on the Larry Reverse and bottom control techniques, emphasizing speed and nonchalant presentation for maximum deception. This trick is perfect for close-up magic performances.

Key features

  • Impromptu and can be performed with any deck of cards

  • Relies on the Larry Reverse and bottom control techniques

  • Emphasizes speed and nonchalant presentation for deception

  • Visual and effective with relatively easy execution

  • Perfect for close-up magic performances

Pros

  • Highly visual and impromptu

  • Does not require complex sleight of hand

  • Versatile and can be performed in various settings

  • Strong misdirection and timing make it deceptive

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the Larry Reverse and bottom control

  • Speed is crucial, which may be challenging for beginners

Effect

The Fastest Reverse on Earth is a quick and deceptive card trick where a spectator selects a card, loses it in the deck, and the magician seemingly finds it with an impossibly fast reverse motion. The magician pretends to turn a random card face up in the deck, but it isn’t the spectator’s card. After a brief moment of apparent failure, the magician reveals the actual chosen card face up in the middle of the deck, as if the initial reverse action secretly located it.

Full Details

The trick relies on two main techniques:

  • Bottom Control – The spectator’s card is secretly moved to the bottom of the deck. Methods like the Marlo Convincing Control, Real Dribble Toss Control, or a simple double undercut can be used. The key is ensuring the chosen card ends up on the bottom without detection.

  • The Larry Reverse – Developed by Larry Jennings, this move creates the illusion of turning a single card face up while actually turning two cards face down (the spectator’s card and a random card from the top). The speed and casual execution make the deception convincing.

    • The magician pretends to cut the deck and quickly "reverse" a card, making it seem like a failed attempt. The real magic happens when the spectator’s card is revealed face up in the middle, appearing as though the fast reverse secretly located it.

    Who Should Consider the Trick

    This trick is ideal for magicians who:

    • Prefer impromptu magic that can be done with any deck.
    • Enjoy fast, visual effects with minimal setup.
    • Want a deceptive trick that relies more on timing and misdirection than complex sleight of hand.

    Difficulty

    The Fastest Reverse on Earth is considered moderate in difficulty. While the individual moves (bottom control and the Larry Reverse) are not overly complex, the trick requires smooth execution and natural misdirection. Chris Carter emphasizes that speed and a relaxed presentation are crucial for making the deception work.

    What Magicians Say

    Chris Carter, who popularized the trick in Beyond Fantasy, highlights its deceptive simplicity:

    "The trick's effectiveness stems from its speed and nonchalant presentation, rather than complex sleight of hand."

    He stresses that the key is making the reverse look effortless:

    "The goal is to make the reverse appear casual and effortless, minimizing suspicion."

    SeanDevine notes that the trick’s appeal lies in its impromptu nature and visual impact:

    "It's impromptu—you can do it anytime, anywhere, with any deck of cards—and it's visual, effective, and fairly easy to do."

    The Fastest Reverse on Earth is praised for its deceptive power when performed with confidence and proper timing.

    What people are saying about The Fastest Reverse on Earth

    SeanDevine says...

    The trick's appeal lies in its impromptu nature. [...] Speed and nonchalant presentation are key to the trick's effectiveness.

    Tutorial videos