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Triumph by Dai Vernon

Created by: Dai Vernon

Triumph is a classic card trick where a shuffled deck of cards, mixed face-up and face-down, magically rights itself, leaving only the spectator's chosen card face-up. This trick is a staple in close-up magic, known for its visual appeal and strong audience interaction. It's versatile, suitable for various performance settings, and can be adapted with different handlings and presentations to suit the magician's style.

Key features

  • Classic card trick with a strong visual impact

  • Versatile and adaptable to different performance styles

  • Suitable for close-up, parlour, and stage magic

  • Can be performed with a borrowed deck

  • Various handlings and variations available

Pros

  • Strong visual effect that is immediately apparent to the audience

  • High level of audience interaction and engagement

  • Can be adapted to fit the magician's personal style and presentation

  • Works well in a variety of performance settings

  • Many resources available for learning different variations

Cons

  • Requires precise sleight of hand for flawless execution

  • Some variations may require a table, limiting walk-around performances

  • The method may be familiar to some spectators or magicians

Effect

The Triumph trick is a classic card magic effect where a shuffled deck of cards—some face up, some face down—instantly rights itself, leaving only the spectator’s chosen card face up. The magician demonstrates that the deck is thoroughly mixed, yet moments later, every card is magically aligned except the one selected by the spectator. The visual transformation is striking and often leaves audiences baffled.

Full Details

Triumph is one of the most enduring card tricks in magic, popularized by legends like Dai Vernon. The effect typically follows this structure:

  • Shuffling Chaos: The magician or spectator shuffles the deck, mixing face-up and face-down cards randomly.
  • Selection & Loss: A card is freely chosen, noted, and lost in the deck.
  • Magical Restoration: With a snap, wave, or flourish, the deck rights itself—except for the chosen card, which remains reversed.

    • Variations exist, including gimmicked decks for self-working versions (like Visualize by Liam Montier) and sleight-heavy handlings (such as Vernon’s original method). Some modern twists incorporate phones (Deadline by Yannick Barth) or color changes (King of Chaos by Hanson Chien).

    Who Should Consider the Trick

    • Beginners: Self-working versions (e.g., Visualize) require minimal skill.
    • Intermediate/Advanced Magicians: Sleight-based Triumph routines (e.g., Vernon’s handling) offer deeper technical challenges.
    • Mentalists: Some versions blend card magic with prediction effects.
    • Performers Seeking Strong Closers: Triumph’s visual punch makes it ideal for finales.

    Difficulty

    • Self-Working Versions: Easy (e.g., Magic Button by Craig Petty).
    • Intermediate: Requires basic false shuffles and controls (e.g., Prevail by Josh Janousky).
    • Advanced: Demands expert-level sleights (e.g., Vernon’s original).

    What Magicians Say

    • Reid Ferry praises Triumph’s versatility but warns against revealing the ending prematurely, as it can diminish surprise.
    • Magic Orthodoxy recommends Visualize for beginners, calling it a "solid and accessible" gimmicked version.
    • Sebastian Toca rates Deadline (a Triumph variant) 9/10, applauding its use of a spectator’s phone for a modern twist.
    • BAM Magic highlights King of Chaos’s Ribbon Spread Triumph as "one of the cleanest routines" but notes the gimmick requires careful handling.
    • PigCake teaches a pinky-break-based Triumph, emphasizing fake shuffles for realism.

    Triumph remains a cornerstone of card magic, adaptable to nearly any skill level and performance style. Whether using a gimmicked deck or mastering sleights, it’s a trick that consistently delivers strong reactions.

    What people are saying about Triumph

    AlakazamMagicUK says...

    Benjamin Earl's 'Past Midnight (Disc 1)' offers innovative takes on classic card magic plots, including Triumph.

    BAM_magic says...

    King of Chaos: Ultimate Triumph is a highly visual, gimmicked (and ungimmicked) take on the classic Triumph plot, offering multiple handlings and deep theoretical insights.

    EruditeMagic says...

    Joshua Jay’s *The Particle System* includes routines spanning various plots, including Triumph, showcasing the versatility of memorized deck magic.

    fiddlinjonny says...

    Magic Button includes 56 gaffed cards and a 3-hour tutorial, making it ideal for beginners.

    magicorthodoxy says...

    Visualize is a fun, visual, and remarkably easy self-working trick centered around a gimmicked deck of cards.

    magic-tv says...

    Dai Vernon's original Triumph routine is a classic card trick where a spectator's chosen card becomes the only face-up card in a shuffled deck.

    MurphysMagicSupplies says...

    Josh’s approach emphasizes clean handling and audience engagement, making it suitable for both casual and professional performances.

    PigCake says...

    Learn a unique version of the Triumph card trick that mimics a participant's shuffle for added realism.

    ReidFerry says...

    Originality in magic is crucial to stand out and respect the art form. Small changes like tweaking scripts or moves can make a trick feel unique.

    sebastiantoca9208 says...

    Deadline reimagines the classic Triumph effect, adding a unique element involving a spectator timing themselves with their phone.

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