The Knowing Principle by Christian Grace

Effect

The Knowing Principle is a card magic effect where the magician demonstrates an uncanny ability to know or predict a spectator's chosen card under seemingly impossible conditions. The exact presentation varies, but it typically involves the spectator freely selecting a card, and the magician revealing it in a surprising and impossible way. The effect is designed to feel organic and unforced, making it appear as though the magician has a genuine insight into the spectator's thoughts.

Full details

The Knowing Principle is part of Christian Grace's Magic Monthly subscription service, which offers new card magic effects each month. The trick is aimed at intermediate to advanced magicians who are serious about refining their card magic skills. The effect is not a simple pick-a-card trick but rather a layered routine that incorporates multiple principles and techniques.

The trick does not require any gimmicks, relying solely on a standard deck of cards. Some routines may involve setups or stacks, but Christian Grace provides methods for achieving these setups on the fly if needed. The angles are generally good, though some routines may be more angle-sensitive depending on the specific method used.

Who should consider the trick

The Knowing Principle is best suited for magicians who are already comfortable with intermediate-level card sleights and are looking to expand their repertoire with sophisticated routines. It is ideal for performers who want to move beyond basic tricks and into more nuanced, performance-ready material. Beginners may find the learning curve steep, but the principles taught can significantly elevate their card magic skills over time.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty of The Knowing Principle varies depending on the specific routine and the magician's familiarity with the underlying principles. The sleight of hand itself is not overly complex, but the routines often require careful thought and practice to execute smoothly. Some routines involve multi-phase presentations or situational setups, which may add to the complexity.

Scott Perry notes that while some of the material is challenging, the effort is worthwhile for the depth of understanding and performance quality it brings. He describes the content as "food for thought" for serious card workers, emphasizing that even if some routines are not performed, the learning process itself is valuable.

What magicians say

Scott Perry, a professional magician with over 20 years of experience, highly recommends The Knowing Principle and the Magic Monthly service for serious card magicians. He states, "If you are a serious card magician, intermediate level and above, and you seriously want to study the art of card magic, just get this." Perry praises the innovative thinking behind the routines, calling them "fully thought out routines with multiple layers."

He also highlights the practicality of the service, noting that while some routines may require setups or have angle considerations, the majority are workable in real-world conditions. Perry concludes by saying, "If you want to elevate your card tricks into card magic, this is the place to go."

The Knowing Principle is part of a growing library of high-quality material that Perry describes as a must for magicians aiming to refine their art. With a subscription, magicians gain access to not just tricks but also valuable principles and ideas that can inspire further creativity in their performances.