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The Winning Hand by Daniel Madison

Created by: Daniel Madison

The Winning Hand is a sophisticated close-up card magic routine that pays homage to poker legend Stu Ungar. In this gambling-themed effect, a spectator shuffles a deck of cards and deals five random cards. The magician then tells the story of Ungar's historic 1997 World Series of Poker win, showing a 'POKER LESSON' gaff card that depicts his exact winning hand. When the spectator's dealt cards are revealed, they match this iconic poker hand, creating a powerful moment of deception and psychological control. The method is built into every deck of UNGAR Playing Cards, which includes the updated gaff card, and the routine is taught through an instructional video focusing on nuanced card switching techniques and the use of the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE for secret card manipulation.

Key features

  • Built into UNGAR Playing Cards with a special 'POKER LESSON' gaff card featuring Stu Ungar's 1997 WSOP winning hand

  • Teaches 'Nuance Card Switches'—subtle, multi-moment switches executed during card dealing for enhanced deception

  • Includes various card switching techniques such as Cohort Switch, Mad Switch, Perfect Deal, Heritage, Madison Shift, Pickup Switch, GC Switch, and Slap Switch

  • Utilizes the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE for secretly holding out and switching cards

  • Focuses on psychological control and manipulation in a structured gambling demonstration

  • Suitable for magicians interested in advanced sleight-of-hand and card magic routines

Pros

  • Powerful and engaging effect with a compelling narrative tied to poker history

  • Comprehensive teaching of multiple card switching techniques for skill development

  • Integrated method with specialized playing cards and tools for seamless performance

Cons

  • Requires purchase of UNGAR Playing Cards and potentially the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE

  • Involves advanced sleight-of-hand that may not be suitable for beginners

  • Relies on specific gimmicked components, limiting flexibility with other decks

Effect

The Winning Hand is a card routine that recreates a famous poker moment. A spectator shuffles a deck of cards and deals five cards onto the table. The magician then tells the story of Stu Ungar's 1997 World Series of Poker victory. The magician shows a promotional card from the deck that pictures Ungar's exact winning hand. The five cards the spectator just dealt are then turned over. They match the historic poker hand exactly.

Full details

The method for The Winning Hand is built into the UNGAR Playing Cards. A special gaff card, called the POKER LESSON card, is included in the deck. This card looks like a standard ad card but is central to the routine. The project is a detailed study on card switching techniques. Daniel Madison teaches a concept he calls 'Nuance Card Switches'. These are subtle card exchanges performed in multiple small actions. These actions can happen while the spectator is dealing the cards. The routine also uses the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE. This tool helps secretly hold out and switch cards during the performance.

Who should consider the trick

This routine is for magicians who want to study advanced card deception. It is good for performers interested in gambling demonstrations and psychological control. The trick uses a compelling story from poker history. It is designed for magicians who want to deepen their understanding of card switches. Penguin Magic notes that poker-themed tricks like this can suit different skill levels.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Winning Hand involves multiple advanced card techniques. Daniel Madison teaches several sleights including the Cohort Switch, Mad Switch, and Madison Shift. The routine requires practice to master the timing and subtlety of the switches. Using the MAD HOLDOUT DEVICE adds another layer to the method. Penguin Magic states that some poker tricks are sleight-heavy, while others are self-working. This particular routine falls into the sleight-heavy category and is not for beginners.

What magicians say

Daniel Madison presents the project as a masterclass in deception. He loved the idea of contrasting Stu Ungar's poker genius with a card mechanic's manipulation. He focuses on the philosophy of nuanced card switches executed over time. Penguin Magic describes The Winning Hand by Rick Lax as a deceptive poker-themed routine where the magician appears to outplay the spectator. They highlight that their selection of poker tricks includes strong visual impact and are performance-tested routines.

What people are saying about The Winning Hand

DANIELmadison says...

The method for this routine is built into every deck of the UNGAR Playing Cards. A special, updated 'POKER LESSON' gaff card is included, which now features Stu Ungar's actual 1997 WSOP winning hand. This card looks like a standard ad card but is the key to the routine.

penguinmagicshop says...

The Winning Hand by Rick Lax – A deceptive poker-themed routine where the magician appears to outplay the spectator.

Promotional videos

Tutorial videos