Sleightful logoSleightful

The Godfather Routine by Ed Marlo

Created by: Ed Marlo

The Godfather Routine is a captivating card magic trick that showcases the masterful use of the bottom deal technique, as performed by Ed Marlo. This close-up magic routine involves an ace assembly where the magician seemingly places aces on top of the deck, only to magically switch them using bottom deals. The routine is set to the theme from *The Godfather*, adding a dramatic flair to the performance. It's a perfect blend of skill, deception, and storytelling, making it a must-learn for card magicians looking to enhance their repertoire with a classic yet versatile routine.

Key features

  • Masterful use of the bottom deal technique

  • Versatile routine that can be adapted to various performances

  • Excellent practice tool for refining bottom deal skills

  • Combines skill, deception, and storytelling

  • Set to the iconic theme from *The Godfather* for dramatic effect

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and visually compelling

  • Great for practicing and mastering the bottom deal

  • Adaptable to different performance styles

  • Classic routine with a timeless appeal

Cons

  • Requires advanced card handling skills

  • The bottom deal technique may be challenging for beginners

Effect

The Godfather Routine is a card magic performance set to the theme from The Godfather. The magician demonstrates expert control over the deck, seemingly dealing cards from the top, bottom, or middle at will. The routine includes an ace assembly where the aces mysteriously gather in one pile despite appearing to be placed elsewhere. The bottom deal is central to the effect, allowing the magician to secretly manipulate the cards without detection.

Full Details

The routine was performed by Ed Marlo, a legendary figure in card magic. It consists of two main parts. First, the magician demonstrates the bottom deal, cleanly dealing cards from the bottom of the deck without obvious tells. Second, the magician performs an ace assembly, using the bottom deal as both a switch and a method to secretly return the aces to their intended positions.

PigCake, a magician who analyzed the routine, notes that Marlo’s execution is exceptionally smooth. Unlike many bottom deals, Marlo’s version lacks the usual finger movements that give away the move. The routine also showcases Marlo’s love for variation, as he uses the bottom deal in two distinct ways—first as a switch and later as a method to secretly place cards.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for intermediate to advanced card magicians who want to refine their bottom deal technique. It is especially useful for those interested in deceptive card switches and forces. Since the routine involves precise handling, it may not be suitable for beginners.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Godfather Routine requires mastery of the bottom deal, a challenging sleight. PigCake mentions that performing the move with a full deck is significantly harder than with smaller packets, as in this routine. The ace assembly portion also demands smooth execution to maintain deception. While the routine is complex, PigCake suggests it is an excellent way to practice the bottom deal due to its structured nature.

What Magicians Say

PigCake praises Marlo’s flawless execution, stating, "There's no telltale sign with his ring finger, which is usually something that is a giveaway when it comes to a bottom deal. It's perfect—the cadence is smooth." He also highlights the routine’s deceptive quality, noting that the bottom deal is used as a magic move rather than just a demonstration.

PigCake recommends the routine for practice, saying, "This routine in and of itself is a wonderful way to practice your bottom deals because you're doing it twice... and also you're doing it with smaller amounts of cards." He emphasizes that the routine exemplifies Marlo’s skill in variation, using the same move in different ways for maximum deception.

What people are saying about The Godfather Routine

PigCake says...

I want you to notice the immediate Perfection of Marlo's demonstration of the bottom deal there's no tell tail sign with his ring finger which is usually something that is a giveaway when it comes to a bottom deal it's perfect the Cadence is smooth there's no catching of air [...] This routine in and of itself is a wonderful way to practice your bottom deals because you're doing it twice you're doing it in both different senses of its ability and also you're doing it with smaller cards or smaller amount of cards.

Tutorial videos