Sleightful logoSleightful

Three-Way Force by Divernon

Created by: Divernon

The Three-Way Force is a captivating card trick that plays on the audience's expectations, starting with seemingly incorrect predictions that cleverly set up a surprising Ace production. This close-up magic trick involves a series of predictions with three Jacks, a forced card selection, and a final reveal where the Jacks transform into the four Aces. The routine is designed to appear as though the magician has made a mistake, only to reveal a perfectly planned outcome, enhanced by the performer's acting and comedic timing.

Key features

  • Utilizes a three-way force popularized by Divernon for card selection.

  • Incorporates a slip cut and packet switch for secretly positioning the Aces.

  • Relies on acting and misdirection to sell the illusion of a mishap.

  • Simple and accessible, using familiar moves suitable for most card magicians.

  • Great introduction to an Ace routine, with potential for further variations.

Pros

  • Engaging and humorous, making it memorable for the audience.

  • Uses simple, familiar moves, making it accessible to a wide range of magicians.

  • Flexible, allowing for personalization and incorporation into larger routines.

Cons

  • Requires a small setup with specific cards (three Jacks, an Ace, and a cover card).

  • Relies heavily on the performer's acting skills to sell the 'failure' aspect.

Effect

The Three-Way Force creates the illusion that a spectator freely selects a card, while the magician secretly controls the outcome. In PigCake’s routine, the trick begins with a series of failed predictions, making the audience believe the magician has made a mistake. The performer then reveals that the "wrong" card was actually part of a clever setup, leading to a surprising climax where all predictions align perfectly.

Full Details

The routine involves a small setup: three Jacks, an Ace, and a cover card. The magician pretends to cut the deck randomly, placing three Jacks as predictions. A Three-Way Force (popularized by Divernon) is used to make the spectator stop at a predetermined card (the Ace). A slip cut and packet switch secretly position the Aces behind the Jacks. The magician then pretends the trick has failed before revealing the Aces, creating a strong surprise moment.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for magicians who:

  • Want a simple but deceptive force.
  • Enjoy using humor and misdirection in performances.
  • Are looking for an engaging way to introduce an Ace production.
  • Prefer tricks that rely on acting rather than complex sleight of hand.

Difficulty

The Three-Way Force requires basic card handling skills, including:

  • A slip cut (lifting and replacing a portion of the deck).
  • A packet switch (secretly exchanging groups of cards).
  • Timing-based forces (like Divernon’s method).

PigCake notes that the routine uses familiar moves, making it accessible to intermediate card magicians. The real challenge lies in performance—selling the "failure" convincingly before the final reveal.

What Magicians Say

PigCake describes the routine as a "sucker trick" that plays with audience expectations. He emphasizes the importance of acting:

  • "You look flustered, you look upset, you look a little bit like you have diarrhea."
  • "They think you messed up... it's a sucker trick, and you reel them in."

He also praises the simplicity of the method, calling it a "great introduction to any Ace routine." However, he jokingly warns against performing Ace assemblies, threatening to "Goldberg spear" anyone who does.

The Three-Way Force is a versatile tool for magicians who want a deceptive, engaging, and humorous card routine.

What people are saying about Three-Way Force

PigCake says...

It's a simple trick, it's a nice way of introducing the Aces to any sort of card routine you might fancy and all using simple moves that I'm sure you already know [...] The routine's strength lies in its deceptive simplicity and the performer's ability to sell the illusion of a mishap.

Tutorial videos