Top Change
Where to buy
![]() | Magicbox | Top Change by Mark Wong & inside Magic Productions - - Video Download | £14.80 | 🇬🇧 Shop |
![]() | Alakazam Magic | Top Change by Mark Wong & inside Magic Productions - Video DOWNLOAD | £17.43 | 🇬🇧 Shop |
Key features
Versatile utility move for secretly switching the top card of the deck
Requires practice to master smooth execution and misdirection
Ideal for close-up and parlour card magic performances
Can be integrated into multi-phase routines for strong visual or mental effects
Often used as an alternative to other switches like the Classic Pass
Pros
Highly deceptive when performed correctly
Versatile application in various card tricks
No gimmicks required; uses a regular deck
Clear instruction available in many tutorials
Builds foundational card handling skills
Cons
Steep learning curve for beginners
Requires consistent practice to maintain invisibility
May not be suitable for all performance angles
Can be challenging to execute under high scrutiny
Effect
The Top Change is a secret sleight used by magicians. To the audience, it appears that the magician is simply handling the deck of cards in a natural way. They might be talking, squaring the deck, or making a gesture. During this casual action, the magician secretly exchanges the card on top of the deck for a different card. This allows for impossible moments, such as a chosen card vanishing and reappearing in a spectator's hand, or a card visually transforming into another. The move is designed to be invisible, creating a powerful sense of magic without any obvious action.
Full details
The Top Change is a fundamental utility move in card magic. Its purpose is to secretly switch the top card of the deck with another card, usually one held in the magician's other hand. This exchange happens under the cover of a natural gesture, like turning to speak to a spectator or squaring the cards. As Mark Wong explains, it is a "sneaky yet powerful move" that forms the backbone of many advanced routines. It is often compared to other core techniques like the Classic Pass. The move itself is a sleight, meaning it relies entirely on skill and practice rather than any gimmicked props. A standard deck of cards is all that is required.
Who should consider the trick
The Top Change is best suited for magicians who are serious about advancing their card magic. It is not typically a move for absolute beginners. As Craig Petty notes, while acknowledging its difficulty, the top change is a "valuable sleight worth learning for serious performers." It is ideal for magicians who perform close-up or table magic and want to add deceptive, impromptu effects to their repertoire. If you enjoy routines that involve card controls, transpositions, or sandwich effects, the Top Change is an essential tool. Yannick's tutorial shows it is "ideal for walk-around or street magic," making it valuable for performers in those settings.
Information on how difficult it is to perform
The Top Change is considered a challenging move to master. Multiple reviewers emphasize that it "requires practice to master the move effectively," as noted by AlakazamMagicUK. The difficulty lies in making the secret exchange look like a completely natural and meaningless action. The timing and misdirection are crucial. As ReidFerry's tutorial highlights, the goal is to make the move "nearly invisible" with "minimal misdirection." This level of smoothness takes dedicated practice. PigCake advises that the move should occur during a "moment of relaxation," which requires confidence and a well-rehearsed routine to support it. It is an intermediate to advanced sleight.
What magicians say
Magicians consistently praise the Top Change for its versatility and power. Mark Wong’s tutorial includes "six creative routines to put it into action," showing its wide application. Craig Petty believes it is a "necessity" for serious performers. In performance, Yannick finds it a "critical moment" that allows for a surprise ending where a card reappears in the spectator’s hand. PigCake uses the Top Change in a routine designed to provide a "natural and engaging context for practicing" the move, using the routine's absurdity as perfect cover. The consensus is that while the Top Change demands effort, it is a cornerstone sleight that unlocks a world of deceptive possibilities.
What people are saying about Top Change
AlakazamMagicUK says...
The Top Change is a sneaky yet powerful move in card magic, allowing magicians to secretly switch the top card of the deck. Mark Wong’s tutorial dives deep into how to perform it smoothly, along with six creative routines to put it into action.
AMillionCardTricks says...
The video teaches a favorite card trick of the creator, focusing on the Top Change sleight. It includes detailed breakdowns of mechanics, grip, timing, and misdirection, demonstrating the sleight within a complete routine to show its practical application.
BigBlindMedia says...
Biz positions the Snap Change alongside other classic techniques like the Top Change and the Classic Pass, highlighting its importance in a magician's toolkit for creating engaging and deceptive effects.
ellusionist says...
The trick is versatile and can be adapted to different styles. It is 'very slight of hand heavy' and requires practice, with the top change being a critical moment where the spectator is handed a card they believe is indifferent, but it’s actually their selection.
magic-tv says...
Wayne Goodman's unique top change is a standout innovation. [...] While acknowledging its difficulty, Craig believes the top change is a valuable sleight worth learning for serious performers.
PigCake says...
The trick's primary purpose is to provide a natural and engaging context for practicing the top change. The routine's absurdity creates a perfect cover for the move, and the top change should occur during a moment of relaxation, masked by hand gestures.
ReidFerry says...
The highlight is a detailed tutorial on the top change technique, where he shares secrets to making it nearly invisible. He breaks down the technique, emphasizing invisibility and minimal misdirection.
SeanDevine says...
The Spread Switch is a utility move for secretly exchanging a card or small packet while the deck is in a spread. It serves as a practical alternative to the Classic Pass or Top Change, especially when the performer wants to maintain a relaxed, conversational pace.
sebastiantoca9208 says...
The course covers a wide range of card magic techniques, including double lifts & top changes with numerous variations. Sebastian highlights the breadth of material covered, praising the high quality of instruction.
Performance videos
Wayne Goodman Special | 5x5 With Craig Petty
magic-tv mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Review videos
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Promotional videos
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Tutorial videos
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Other videos
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