The Runaway Joker by Drew Perry

Effect

The Runaway Joker is a visual card trick where the Joker appears to move down the deck on its own. A spectator selects any card, which is then lost in the middle of the deck. The magician introduces the Joker as a "magical assistant" and gives it a small flick. The Joker visibly travels down the deck before stopping. When the deck is spread, the Joker is found on the back of the spectator's chosen card. Moments later, the Joker vanishes from that card and reappears on its original card. The effect is surprising and direct, with clear visual movement that the audience can follow.

Full Details

The trick uses a gaffed Joker card from Drew Perry's Bricked deck. The routine begins with a fair selection—the spectator freely chooses any card. The deck is cut, and the selected card is buried in the middle. The magician then introduces the Joker, which appears to move down the deck with a simple flick. The movement is visible, making the effect engaging and interactive. The Joker lands on the back of the spectator's card before disappearing and returning to its original position. The Bricked deck's design enhances the illusion, making the Joker's movement smooth and convincing.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who enjoy visual, self-working, or semi-automatic card magic. It works well for close-up performances, walkaround magic, or casual settings where direct visual effects are effective. Since the routine relies on a gaffed deck, it is ideal for performers comfortable with pre-set cards but still want a strong, easy-to-execute effect. Those who appreciate Drew Perry's Bricked deck will find this routine a valuable addition to their repertoire.

Difficulty

The Runaway Joker is not technically demanding. The handling involves basic cuts and a simple flick motion to activate the Joker's movement. The most challenging aspect is the presentation—selling the Joker's movement convincingly and maintaining audience engagement. Since the deck does most of the work, the trick is accessible to beginners but still impactful for experienced performers.

What Magicians Say

Peter Nardi, who demonstrates the trick, highlights its fairness and visual appeal. He emphasizes that the spectator can see the Joker moving, making the effect more engaging. His performance style is relaxed, reinforcing the illusion by asking the spectator, "That is fair, right?" He describes the trick as "so good" and praises the Bricked deck for its versatility. The routine is designed to be interactive, with the magician encouraging the spectator to check that the Joker is printed on the card before it vanishes. The effect leaves a strong impression, making it a memorable piece of magic.