Sleightful logoSleightful

Twist Motion by Dai Vernon

Created by: Dai Vernon

Twist Motion is a classic card magic trick where the four aces appear to turn face up one by one in a face-down packet, creating a visually stunning effect. This trick is ideal for intermediate to advanced card magicians and relies on foundational sleights like the Elmsley count, triple lift, and double lift. The routine uses only four aces, arranged in a specific order: hearts, spades, diamonds, clubs (bottom to top), with the ace of spades noted as the hardest to twist, requiring unique handling. The trick combines sleight of hand, psychology, and showmanship for a timeless, self-working effect.

Key features

  • Uses only four aces arranged in a specific order

  • Relies on foundational sleights like Elmsley count, triple lift, and double lift

  • Ideal for intermediate to advanced card magicians

  • Combines sleight of hand, psychology, and showmanship

  • Fast-paced routine with a timeless, self-working effect

Pros

  • Visually stunning effect

  • Timeless and self-working

  • Fools even seasoned magicians

  • Blends sleight of hand, psychology, and showmanship

Cons

  • May require multiple viewings to fully grasp

  • Fast-paced routine might be challenging for beginners

Effect

The audience sees four aces placed face down in a packet. One by one, each ace appears to magically turn face up while the others remain face down. The transformations happen in sequence, creating a visually striking effect. The final reveal shows all four aces face up, defying logic.

Full details

Twist Motion is a card trick based on Dai Vernon’s classic Twisting the Aces routine. It uses four aces arranged in a specific order: hearts, spades, diamonds, and clubs from bottom to top. The trick relies on sleight of hand techniques to make the aces appear to flip over one at a time.

Key techniques include the Elmsley Count, triple and double lifts, false shuffles, and reverse counts. The ace of spades is noted as the most challenging to handle due to its unique position in the sequence. The routine is fast-paced and requires precise timing to make the transformations convincing.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is best suited for intermediate to advanced card magicians. Performers should already be comfortable with fundamental card sleights like the Elmsley Count and double lifts. Those who enjoy visually deceptive routines with a strong psychological impact will appreciate this effect.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Twist Motion requires practice to master. The Elmsley Count must be executed cleanly to maintain the illusion. The ace of spades demands extra attention due to its handling. False shuffles and reverse counts must look natural. The pacing of each twist is crucial for maximum impact. While not the easiest trick, it is self-working once the techniques are internalized.

What magicians say

BestMagic describes Twist Motion as a "timeless, self-working effect" that fools even experienced magicians. They emphasize the importance of practicing the Elmsley Count, calling it the backbone of the routine. The ace of spades is humorously noted as the hardest to twist, requiring unique handling. Performance tips include repeating the reverse count twice for added deception and pacing each twist deliberately for a strong finish.

The trick blends sleight of hand, psychology, and showmanship, making it a must-learn for card magic enthusiasts. BestMagic suggests that while the routine is fast-paced, mastering it rewards performers with a visually stunning effect.

What people are saying about Twist Motion

BestMagic says...

The creator acknowledges that *Twisting the Aces* is a **fast-paced routine** that may require multiple viewings to fully grasp. However, mastering it rewards performers with a **timeless, self-working effect** that fools even seasoned magicians.

Tutorial videos