Twisted Sisters by John Bannon

Created by: John Bannon

Twisted Sisters by John Bannon is a classic card trick that involves two small packs of cards, one red and one blue. The spectator is asked to choose a pack and think of any one of the Four Queens (hearts, spades, clubs, diamonds) without revealing it. Another person is left with the other pack and is asked to think of a different queen. The magician then reveals that the queens have not only turned face up but have also switched packets, with each queen now in the opposite colored deck. The kicker is that all other cards in the packs are revealed to be jokers, proving that the spectators could only have thought of the queens that were actually in the decks. This trick is perfect for close-up magic and is known for its multiple moments of magic and strong impact.

Key features

Involves two spectators, making it interactive and engaging
Takes up minimal pocket space, ideal for carrying around
Suitable for both beginners and experienced performers
Features multiple moments of magic for a strong impact
Uses standard decks of cards, making it easy to set up

Pros

Highly recommended for its strong impact and interactive nature
Classic trick that remains effective and popular over time
Easy to carry and perform anywhere
Suitable for a wide range of performers, from beginners to experts

Cons

Requires two spectators to be fully effective
May need practice to perfect the presentation and timing

Effect

In Twisted Sisters by John Bannon, two spectators each select a different queen from separate decks—one red-backed and one blue-backed. The magician claims to influence their choices, making their selected queens turn face up in the opposite decks. When the cards are revealed, the queens have not only turned face up but have also switched decks. The kicker comes when the magician shows that every other card in both decks is a joker, proving the impossibility of any other outcome.

Full Details

Twisted Sisters is a self-working card trick that requires minimal sleight of hand. The routine involves two small packets of cards (one red-backed, one blue-backed), each containing the four queens. The spectators freely choose one queen each from their respective decks, and through a simple yet deceptive method, the queens appear to switch places while turning face up. The final revelation—that all other cards are jokers—adds a strong magical finish.

The trick is compact, making it easy to carry in a wallet or pocket. It plays well in both casual and formal settings, with a presentation that can be adapted for different audiences.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

Beginners due to its self-working nature.
Experienced performers looking for a quick, impactful routine.
Close-up or walkaround magicians who need a strong, portable effect.
Performers who enjoy audience participation, as it involves two spectators.

Difficulty

Twisted Sisters is rated as easy to perform. The method relies on a clever principle rather than complex sleights, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The presentation is straightforward, but performers can add their own flair to enhance the effect.

What Magicians Say

AlakazamMagicUK describes Twisted Sisters as "an absolute classic" and praises its multiple moments of magic. They highlight its versatility, stating it works just as well today as when it was first released. The trick is noted for being "perfect to carry around in your wallet" and for its strong audience reactions.

The simplicity and deceptive power of Twisted Sisters make it a favorite among performers who want a reliable, engaging trick with minimal setup.

What people are saying about Twisted Sisters by John Bannon

AlakazamMagicUK says...

John Bannon's *Twisted Sisters* is highlighted as a classic, highly recommended routine perfect for both beginners and experienced performers.