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The Paradox Card by Air1

Created by: Air1

The Paradox Card is a close-up card magic trick where a prediction, placed on the table the entire time, is revealed to be the spectator's chosen card. This effect is similar to classics like 'The Mystery Card' or 'The Stranger Card,' offering a strong mentalism-like conclusion to a card routine. The trick is part of Air1's 'French Air In Card Magic Vol One' collection, which is aimed at intermediate to advanced magicians seeking original and challenging material.

Key features

  • Requires intermediate to advanced card handling skills

  • Part of a larger collection with 12 meticulously taught tricks

  • Includes a performance of Air1's FISM act for inspiration

  • English dub available for non-French speakers

  • Not suitable for beginners due to complexity

Pros

  • Unique and original material rarely seen by audiences

  • High-quality instruction with nearly three hours of content

  • Includes a recording of Air1's award-winning FISM act

  • Well-taught routines with clear explanations

Cons

  • English dubbing may be distracting for some viewers

  • Lengthy tutorial requires commitment to learn

  • Advanced skill level needed to perform effectively

Effect

The Paradox Card is a prediction effect where a chosen card is revealed in an impossible way. A prediction is placed on the table at the beginning of the routine. Despite the spectator freely selecting a card and the deck being shuffled, the prediction turns out to match the chosen card exactly. The effect is clean, direct, and leaves the audience with a strong sense of impossibility.

Full Details

The Paradox Card is part of Air1's "French Air In Card Magic Vol One" download. The routine is taught alongside eleven other advanced card tricks. The method relies on clever card handling and psychological subtleties rather than complex sleights, making it deceptive yet practical. The prediction remains in full view throughout the routine, increasing the impossibility of the effect.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is best suited for intermediate to advanced card magicians who enjoy strong, self-working or semi-automatic effects. It is ideal for performers who want a clean prediction effect that requires minimal setup and can be performed in various settings. Those who appreciate methods that rely on subtlety rather than difficult sleights will find this particularly appealing.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Paradox Card is not overly difficult to perform, but it does require smooth handling and confidence in presentation. The method is not knuckle-busting, but proper timing and audience management are key to maximizing the effect. Magicians with experience in card magic will find it easy to integrate into their routines, while beginners may need to practice the subtleties involved.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy describes The Paradox Card as "his version of the mystery card or the stranger card," indicating that it follows the tradition of strong prediction effects. He notes that the routine is part of a collection of "hard-hitting" card magic that audiences are unlikely to have seen before. The fact that it is included in Air1's FISM-winning material suggests that the method is both deceptive and performance-tested.

The Paradox Card is a standout effect in Air1's collection, offering a powerful prediction that is both practical and baffling. If you enjoy clean, impossible revelations with minimal sleight of hand, this trick is worth exploring.

What people are saying about The Paradox Card

David (Magic Orthodoxy) says...

The Paradox Card is his version of the mystery card or the stranger card, where a prediction that's been on the table the entire time turns out to be the chosen card.

Review videos