The Ninth Accomplice by Daniel Madison

Effect

The Ninth Accomplice is a card trick where the magician lays out nine cards face down. A spectator points to any one of these cards. The magician’s assistant (or "stooge") then correctly identifies the chosen card without any apparent communication. The effect appears as if the assistant has an uncanny ability to read the spectator’s mind or the magician’s subtle cues.

Full Details

The Ninth Accomplice is part of Daniel Madison’s Marked Deck Master Class, which teaches techniques for using marked decks in magic. The routine involves nine cards, with the markings on the deck playing a key role in the method. The magician does not directly reveal the chosen card but instead allows an accomplice to do so, adding an extra layer of mystery.

The trick relies on the magician’s ability to read the marked deck discreetly and influence the outcome without the audience realizing it. While the method is not disclosed in the review, the trick is designed to work smoothly with any marked deck, provided the performer can recognize the markings quickly.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who:

• Already use or are interested in learning marked deck techniques.
• Enjoy routines that involve audience participation and an extra layer of deception (such as using an accomplice).
• Want to expand their repertoire with effects that appear impromptu but rely on a structured method.

Since the trick is part of a broader master class, it may appeal more to those who want to learn multiple marked deck applications rather than just a single effect.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level of The Ninth Accomplice depends on the performer’s familiarity with marked decks. According to reviewer David from Magic Orthodoxy, the class as a whole is "easier than most of Daniel's teaching," though some routines involve advanced sleights like second deals and bottom deals.

For this specific trick, the main challenge is quickly and discreetly reading the markings while maintaining natural handling. The method does not require complex sleight of hand, but performers should practice smooth execution to avoid suspicion. David notes that even if a magician cannot perform advanced moves flawlessly, they can "fake it convincingly" without the audience noticing.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy highlights that The Ninth Accomplice is one of eight tricks taught in the Marked Deck Master Class. He describes the routine as engaging, with the added twist of using an accomplice to reveal the chosen card. He also emphasizes that while the class is designed for the purple Banger deck, the principles apply to any marked deck.

David appreciates the class’s focus on improvisation, stating that it encourages magicians to "create magic on the fly" rather than relying solely on scripted routines. While he notes the absence of live performances in the class, he finds the teaching style clear and insightful, with multiple camera angles aiding comprehension.

Overall, The Ninth Accomplice is presented as a strong addition to a magician’s toolkit, particularly for those interested in marked deck magic and interactive routines.