The Grid by Richard Wiseman

Effect

The Grid is a mathematical card trick where the magician creates a grid of number cards. A spectator freely chooses one card from a shuffled row. The magician then deals out four hands of four cards each. The spectator uses intuition to pick one hand. When the numbers in that hand are added up, they match the spectator's chosen card. The trick continues with multiple revelations, showing that every row, column, diagonal, and even the center cards all add up to the same number. Finally, the magician reveals a hidden message on the backs of the cards predicting the exact number the spectator chose.

Full details

The Grid uses a set of specially designed number cards. The magician lays them out in a grid formation, allowing the spectator to shuffle and freely select a card. The trick relies on a mathematical principle, ensuring that no matter which card is chosen, the calculations will always lead to the same result. There is no sleight of hand involved, making it accessible to performers of all skill levels. The final reveal—where the backs of the cards display a prediction—adds a strong magical finish.

Who should consider the trick

The Grid is ideal for magicians who enjoy interactive, mathematical-based magic. It works well in close-up settings, stage performances, and even virtual shows (with a top-down camera angle). Because it requires table space, it may not be suitable for walk-around performances. Those who appreciate self-working tricks with strong audience participation will find this particularly rewarding.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Grid is easy to perform. There are no sleights or complex moves to master. The main challenge is remembering the routine’s structure, but the steps are logical and intuitive. Steve Faulkner mentions that after about 10 minutes of practice, most magicians can perform it confidently. The trick’s strength lies in its presentation rather than technical difficulty.

What magicians say

Steve Faulkner calls The Grid a "hidden treasure" and praises its strong audience reactions. He notes that the final reveal—where the cards display a prediction—is particularly powerful. He also highlights its suitability for virtual performances, saying, "The image of the grid being laid out is really nice on a top-down camera."

RealMagicReview describes it as "a really lovely routine" with no angle issues, though it does require table space. They emphasize that even people familiar with magic squares will be fooled by the method.

Overall, The Grid is praised for its simplicity, strong impact, and versatility in different performance settings.