The Late Night Sandwich by Alex Elmsley and John Bannon

Effect

The Late Night Sandwich is a direct and visual card trick where a spectator's freely selected card appears sandwiched between two face-up cards (such as Jacks, Queens, or Jokers) after being lost in the deck. The magician openly removes the two face cards, announces an intention to cut them into the middle, and with a simple gesture, reveals the chosen card cleanly between them. The effect is quick, surprising, and requires no gimmicks.

Full Details

The trick is a streamlined version of Alex Elmsley's original "The Late Night Sandwich," which appeared in HR Fantasio Volume 7. The key difference lies in the method—instead of relying on Elmsley's finger-intensive technique, this version uses a move from John Bannon's Dealing With It to simplify the handling.

The routine involves:

• A spectator selecting a card and losing it in the deck.
• Openly removing two face cards (avoiding Aces for better deception).
• Using a thumb break and swivel cut control to secretly position the selected card.
• Performing a switch to make it appear as though the face cards are being cut into the middle.
• Revealing the chosen card cleanly between the two face cards.

The method reduces unnecessary movement, making it more deceptive and easier to perform than the original Elmsley version.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

• Magicians who want a quick, visual sandwich effect with minimal setup.
• Performers looking for a more accessible alternative to Elmsley's original handling.
• Those who appreciate deceptive yet straightforward card magic.

It works well in casual settings, walk-around performances, or as part of a longer card routine.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level is moderate. While it doesn’t require advanced sleight of hand, it does involve:

• A thumb break and swivel cut control (basic card controls).
• A switch move (similar to a classic pass but simplified).
• Timing and misdirection to sell the illusion.

Beginners may need practice to execute the moves smoothly, but intermediate magicians should find it manageable. As SeanDevine notes, "It's a lot easier and more economical" than the original Elmsley method.

What Magicians Say

SeanDevine, who teaches this version, praises its efficiency:

• "I prefer John Bannon's move over [Elmsley's] if I'm just being honest."
• "This is very direct—you can use it with any deck, anytime, anywhere."
• He recommends avoiding Aces and using court cards or Jokers for better deception.

The trick is described as a practical improvement over the original, making it more accessible while maintaining strong visual impact.