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The Upside Down Deck by Francis Carlyle

Created by: Francis Carlyle

The Upside Down Deck is a visually stunning card trick where two selected cards mysteriously remain face down while the rest of the deck flips face up. This trick can be performed in two versions: a pre-set version for beginners and an impromptu version for advanced magicians, requiring sleight of hand. It's a close-up magic trick that plays big with audiences, offering a powerful magical moment with a strong visual payoff. Inspired by Francis Carlyle’s routine, it's perfect for storytelling and audience impact.

Key features

  • Two versions available: pre-set (beginner-friendly) and impromptu (advanced).

  • Uses techniques like Braue Reversal and double undercut.

  • Great for storytelling and audience impact.

  • Requires practice for smooth execution.

  • Can be themed, e.g., Stranger Things-themed cards for added impact.

Pros

  • Visually stunning effect.

  • Two versions cater to different skill levels.

  • Strong audience impact.

  • Flexible presentation options.

Cons

  • Requires practice, especially the impromptu version.

  • New decks can stick together, requiring careful handling.

Effect

The Upside Down Deck creates a strong visual moment where two selected cards remain face down while the rest of the deck flips face up. A spectator and the magician each choose a card, lose them in the deck, and after a series of cuts and flips, only their selections stay face down in a fully face-up deck. The effect is clean and surprising, making it ideal for close-up performances.

Full details

The trick has two versions:

  • Pre-set version (beginner-friendly)

    • Requires one face-up card at the bottom of the deck before performance.
    • The magician and spectator each pick a card, with the magician’s selection secretly being the pre-set face-up card.
    • The deck is reassembled with face-up and face-down sections, leading to the final reveal.

  • Impromptu version (advanced)

    • Uses sleight of hand techniques like the Braue Reversal and double undercut to secretly arrange the deck.
    • The magician peeks the top card before starting the routine.
    • The deck is manipulated so that only the two selected cards remain face down.

    • Both versions rely on timing and misdirection to hide the method.

    Who should consider the trick

    • Beginners can start with the pre-set version, which requires minimal sleight of hand.
    • Intermediate to advanced magicians will appreciate the impromptu version for its deceptive handling.
    • Performers who like storytelling can adapt the presentation, such as tying it to themes like Stranger Things for added impact.

    Information on how difficult it is to perform

    • Pre-set version: Low difficulty. The main challenge is smooth execution and avoiding accidental exposure of the face-up card.
    • Impromptu version: Moderate to high difficulty. Requires proficiency in the Braue Reversal and double undercut. Timing and misdirection are crucial.

    CardMechanic notes that the impromptu version "requires practice to learn and more practice to perfect," but the payoff is worth it.

    What magicians say

    CardMechanic praises the trick for its strong visual impact and deceptive simplicity. They highlight the impromptu version’s reliance on the Braue Reversal and double undercut, calling it "absolutely genius" in how it conceals the method. They also emphasize the importance of storytelling, suggesting that tying the trick to a theme like Stranger Things enhances audience engagement.

    The pre-set version is recommended for beginners, while the impromptu version is ideal for those looking to challenge their sleight-of-hand skills. Either way, the final reveal—two face-down cards in a face-up deck—creates a powerful magical moment.

    What people are saying about The Upside Down Deck

    CardMechanic says...

    The Card Mechanic loves this trick for its deceptive simplicity and strong visual payoff. While the impromptu version requires practice (especially the Braue Reversal and double undercut), the pre-set method is accessible to beginners. [...] For those looking to expand their card magic repertoire, this is a must-learn routine that plays big with audiences.

    Tutorial videos