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The Ultimate Trick with Post-It Notes by Jay Sankey

Created by: Jay Sankey

The Ultimate Trick with Post-It Notes is a close-up magic effect that combines simplicity with mind-blowing results. A spectator names any card from a shuffled deck, and after a series of fair-seeming cuts and shuffles, a Post-it note with their drawing of a 'great detective' magically locates their chosen card. The trick happens entirely in the spectator's hands, making it highly interactive and impossible to figure out. It’s perfect for close-up performances, whether for kids, adults, or corporate events, and requires minimal setup. The Post-it note gimmick is easy to carry, making it a great addition to any magician's everyday carry (EDC).

Key features

  • Uses everyday items (Post-it notes and a deck of cards)

  • Highly interactive, with the magic happening in the spectator's hands

  • Easy to perform and reset, making it a practical worker

  • Can be performed in close-up or stand-up settings

  • Comes with detailed instructions and alternative handlings

Pros

  • Simple yet highly impactful effect

  • Minimal setup and easy to carry

  • Can be repeated immediately

  • Works for all skill levels

  • Great for both casual and professional performances

Cons

  • Requires a bit of practice to perfect the handling

  • Post-it note gimmick may need occasional replacement

Effect

The Ultimate Trick with Post-It Notes is a clever and engaging card trick that uses a simple Post-it note to create a magical moment. A spectator names a card, which is then shuffled into the deck. They draw a "great detective" on a Post-it note, which is placed on a card. After shuffling and cutting the deck, the spectator finds that the Post-it note has magically moved to their chosen card. The trick happens in the spectator's hands, making it even more baffling and interactive.

Full details

The trick begins with a shuffled deck of cards. The spectator names any card, and the magician moves it to the top of the deck. The deck is then cut into two halves, and the chosen card is seemingly shuffled into the deck. The spectator draws a "great detective" on a Post-it note, which is placed on a card. After further shuffling and cutting, the spectator discovers that the Post-it note has impossibly moved to their selected card. The trick is designed to be clean, fair, and highly visual, with the magic happening in the spectator's hands.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who perform close-up or stand-up magic, as it works well in both settings. It’s also great for those who want a trick that is easy to carry and perform anywhere, as it only requires a deck of cards and a Post-it note. Beginners will appreciate its simplicity, while experienced magicians can add their own flair to the routine.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Ultimate Trick with Post-It Notes is relatively easy to perform, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The method relies on a few basic sleights, such as a second deal or a logical turnover, but these are explained in detail in the tutorial. With a bit of practice, even beginners can master the trick and perform it confidently.

What magicians say

Jay Sankey, the creator of the trick, describes it as "unusually clean and magical," emphasizing its practicality and impact. He notes that it’s a "real worker" that can be performed anywhere, from close-up to stand-up settings. Sankey also highlights the trick’s versatility, as it can be repeated immediately and even adapted to include signed cards. He praises the trick for its strong visual effect and the fact that it happens in the spectator’s hands, which always gets a great reaction.

What people are saying about The Ultimate Trick with Post-It Notes

SankeyMagic says...

This is one of these tricks kids, adults, close-up, even stand-up—I can perform this anywhere. Nice visuals, happens in the spectator's hands, always freaks people out.

Tutorial videos