Sleightful logoSleightful

The Great Detective by Jay Sankey

Created by: Jay Sankey

The Great Detective is a close-up card trick that combines sleight of hand with a clever use of a Post-it note. A spectator names any card from a shuffled deck, and the magician slowly moves it to the top. The spectator then cuts the deck and shuffles the cards multiple times, making it seemingly impossible to locate the chosen card. The magician introduces a Post-it note, asking the spectator to draw a 'great detective' on it. The note is placed on a card, and after more shuffling and cutting, the spectator spreads the deck to find the Post-it note has magically located their chosen card. The trick is highly interactive, with the spectator handling the cards most of the time, and it can be performed anywhere, making it a versatile addition to any magician's repertoire.

Key features

  • Uses a simple Post-it note for a magical reveal

  • Spectator handles the cards for most of the trick, increasing fairness and engagement

  • Can be performed with any deck of cards

  • Highly interactive and suitable for close-up or stand-up performances

  • Allows for immediate repetition and customization (e.g., signed cards)

Pros

  • Easy to learn and perform

  • Highly visual and interactive

  • Can be performed anywhere with minimal setup

  • Allows for customization and repetition

  • Strong audience reactions

Cons

  • Requires some basic sleight of hand skills

  • Post-it note may need to be replaced after multiple performances

Effect

The Great Detective is a card trick that combines audience participation with a surprising magical reveal. A spectator names any card from a shuffled deck, and the magician appears to lose the card in the deck. The spectator then draws a "great detective" on a Post-it note, which is placed on the deck. After multiple shuffles and cuts, the spectator spreads through the cards to find that the detective has impossibly located their chosen card. The trick ends with a clean and magical moment, leaving the audience amazed.

Full details

The Great Detective begins with a shuffled deck, and the spectator is given complete freedom to name any card. The magician subtly moves the chosen card to the top of the deck, though the audience remains unaware of this. The deck is then cut into two packets, and the spectator is asked to draw a "great detective" on a Post-it note. This note is placed on the deck, and the spectator shuffles the cards multiple times, ensuring the card is thoroughly lost. Despite the rigorous shuffling, the detective somehow finds the chosen card when the spectator spreads through the deck. The trick is designed to be clean, fair, and highly interactive, with the magic happening in the spectator's hands.

Who should consider the trick

The Great Detective is ideal for magicians who perform close-up or stand-up magic. It works well in both casual and formal settings, making it versatile for a variety of performances. The trick is particularly suited for those who enjoy interactive routines that involve the audience directly. It’s also a great choice for magicians looking for a trick that is easy to carry and set up, as it requires only a deck of cards and a Post-it note.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Great Detective is relatively easy to perform, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The method relies on a few subtle techniques, such as a second deal or a logical turnover, but these are explained in detail and can be mastered with practice. The trick’s strength lies in its simplicity and the natural flow of the routine, which minimizes the need for complex sleight of hand. Even beginners can achieve impressive results with this trick, while more experienced magicians can add their own touches to enhance the performance.

What magicians say

Jay Sankey, the creator of The Great Detective, describes it as "an unusually clean and magical effect" that is "a real worker." He emphasizes its practicality, noting that it can be performed anywhere and immediately repeated if desired. Sankey also highlights the trick’s versatility, as it can be adapted to include signed cards or different themes. He praises the trick for its strong audience reactions, stating that it "always freaks people out." Overall, The Great Detective is a well-regarded trick that combines simplicity with a powerful magical impact.

What people are saying about The Great Detective

SankeyMagic says...

This is an unusually clean and magical effect, and there's so many practical things I love about it. I mean, it's a real worker—I've had people say, 'Do that again!'

Tutorial videos