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The Lazy Man's Card Trick by Harry Lorayne

Created by: Harry Lorayne

The Lazy Man's Card Trick is a classic close-up card magic effect where a spectator selects a card and shuffles the deck themselves, with the magician never touching it. Using a pre-arranged setup of 13 cards from one suit in order, the trick is self-working and relies on the spectator's cut to reveal their chosen card based on a visible indicator card. It is ideal for beginners and impromptu performances, with a pro version available that incorporates marked cards for added deception and a cleaner presentation. This trick requires no advanced sleight of hand, making it highly accessible and perfect for casual or introductory magic settings.

Key features

  • Self-working with no sleight of hand required

  • Uses a 13-card setup of one suit in order

  • Includes a basic version and a pro version with marked cards

  • Ideal for beginners and impromptu performances

  • Easy to reset and perform multiple times

Pros

  • Highly accessible for magicians of all skill levels

  • Visual and deceptive effect that fools spectators

  • Quick to learn and perform with minimal practice

  • Versatile with multiple versions for different levels of deception

Cons

  • Requires a specific card setup, which may not be fully impromptu in all situations

  • The basic version involves turning the deck face up, which could be less clean than the pro version

Effect

The Lazy Man's Card Trick creates the illusion that a spectator's freely chosen card magically reveals itself without the magician touching the deck. The spectator shuffles and cuts the deck themselves. A card is then shown to have changed or to indicate the exact card the spectator selected, all while the magician appears to do nothing.

Full details

The Lazy Man's Card Trick is a self-working effect that relies on a simple mathematical principle and a prearranged stack of cards. The magician does not need to perform any sleight of hand. A spectator selects a card, shuffles the deck, and cuts it. The trick uses a setup of 13 cards from one suit placed in a specific order. The position of a key card in the setup determines the identity of the chosen card.

A pro version of the trick uses marked cards to make the effect more deceptive. This version avoids the need to turn the deck face up during performance, enhancing the mystery. The trick is credited to Harry Lorayne.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for beginners and those new to card magic. It requires no prior skill in sleight of hand. Performers who need a quick, impromptu trick for casual settings or younger audiences will find it useful. It works well as an opener or a piece of close-up magic that can be done anytime with a prepared deck.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Lazy Man's Card Trick is very easy to perform. AMillionCardTricks states it is a self-working trick with no advanced sleight of hand required. MattMcGurk confirms that the trick requires no sleight of hand and is easy for beginners. The method involves a simple setup and a basic double lift for the color change version. Practice is minimal, focusing on presentation rather than difficult moves.

What magicians say

AMillionCardTricks recommends the trick for beginners, calling it an ideal first move that requires minimal practice for a powerful result. They suggest using misdirection like snapping fingers or blowing on the deck to enhance the effect. Performing slowly and clearly is advised to strengthen the illusion.

MattMcGurk highlights that the trick is beginner-friendly and credits Harry Lorayne as the creator. He teaches two versions, including a pro method using marked cards for greater deception. He notes that the pro version is more foolproof for magicians.

What people are saying about The Lazy Man's Card Trick

AMillionCardTricks says...

This is a self-working trick that requires no advanced sleight of hand, making it highly accessible. The creator suggests it works wonderfully as a quick opener or a piece of casual magic, capitalizing on its visual nature and instant reset.

MattMcGurk says...

The trick uses a 13-card setup of one suit in order, and the spectator's cut determines their card's position based on the visible setup card. The pro version upgrades the effect with marked cards, eliminating the need to turn the deck face up and making it even more deceptive.

Tutorial videos